Bicalutamide (bicalutamide)

Antiandrogen Oral Tablet

Advertisement

Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Bicalutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, is an antineoplastic agent.

Bicalutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen that is structurally and pharmacologically related to flutamide and nilutamide.

Bicalutamide inhibits the action of androgens by competitively blocking nuclear androgen receptors in target tissues such as the prostate, seminal vesicles, and adrenal cortex; blockade of androgen receptors in the hormone-sensitive tumor cells may result in growth arrest or transient tumor regression through inhibition of androgen-dependent DNA and protein synthesis. Bicalutamide is a selective antiandrogen with no androgenic or progestational activity in various animal models. The relative binding affinity of bicalutamide at the androgen receptor is more than that of nilutamide and approximately 4 times that of hydroxyflutamide, the active metabolite of flutamide.

Common pharmacologic therapies for prostate cancer (i.e., gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, nonsteroidal antiandrogens) when used as monotherapy initially result in increased serum testosterone concentrations, which may limit the effects of the drugs. Androgen receptors in the hypothalamus are blocked by bicalutamide, which disrupts the inhibitory feedback of testosterone on luteinizing hormone (LH) release, resulting in a temporary increase in secretion of LH; the increase in LH stimulates an increase in the production of testosterone. As GnRH analogs have potent GnRH agonist properties, testicular steroidogenesis continues during the first few weeks after initiating therapy.

However, the combination of orchiectomy or GnRH analog therapy to suppress testicular androgen production and an antiandrogen to block response of remaining adrenal androgens provides maximal androgen blockade. Concomitant administration of antiandrogens such as bicalutamide in patients initiating therapy with a GnRH analog can inhibit initial androgenic stimulation and potential exacerbation of symptoms (e.g., bone pain, urinary obstruction, liver pain, impending spinal cord compression) that may occur during the first month of GnRH analog therapy.

Although the absolute bioavailability is not known, bicalutamide is well absorbed following oral administration. Administration of bicalutamide with food does not affect the rate or extent of drug absorption. Bicalutamide exhibits high protein-binding (96%).

The S (inactive) enantiomer of bicalutamide is metabolized primarily by glucuronidation. The R(active)enantiomer alsoundergoes glucuronidation but is predominantly oxidized to an inactive metabolite followed by glucuronidation. Metabolites are eliminated in the urine or feces.

The S-enantiomer undergoes rapid clearance in comparison to the R-enantiomer; the R-enantiomer accounts for the majority of steady-state plasma levels (99%). In healthy males, the half-life of the R-enantiomer ofbicalutamide is approximately 5.8 days.

USES: Bicalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. This medication works by blocking the action of hormones in the prostate, slowing the growth of cancer cells. This medication should not be used in women and children.

Generic name: bicalutamide
Pronunciation: (BYE-ka-LOO-ta-mide)
Drug class: Antiandrogen
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

Today’s intelligence on Bicalutamide

Intelligence content is not available yet.

Indications

The following indications are listed for Bicalutamide:

  • Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma

Also known as: Metastatic Malignancy Of Prostate, Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm Of Prostate, Metastatic Malignant Tumor Of Prostate, Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

Bicalutamide does not induce cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes. In vitro, the R-enantiomer of bicalutamide has been shown to inhibit CYP3A4 to a greater extent than CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6. Clinical data have not demonstrated an interaction between LHRH analogs (eg, leuprolide, goserelin) and bicalutamide.

Contraindications

*Pregnancy.

*Not indicated for use in females.

*History of hypersensitivity to bicalutamide or any component of the preparation. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioneurotic edema and urticaria have occurred.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects reported in >=10% of patients in clinical trials receiving bicalutamide plus a LHRH analog include hot flashes, pain (including general, back, pelvic, and abdominal), asthenia, constipation, infection, nausea, peripheral edema, dyspnea, diarrhea, hematuria, nocturia, and anemia.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Metastatic prostate carcinoma
C61ICD10CMMalignant neoplasm of prostate

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

Search health-plan coverage for this drug by ZIP code.

Enter a ZIP code to view available health plans.

Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data