Revefenacin

Allopathic
Indications

Approved Indications:

  • Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
    • Indicated for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
    • Not indicated for acute bronchospasm or asthma.

Off-label / Clinically Accepted Uses:

  • May be considered for patients with COPD who have difficulty using handheld inhalers or require nebulized therapy.
  • Use in COPD patients with moderate to severe airflow limitation who benefit from LAMA therapy.
Dosage & Administration

Adults:

  • Recommended dose: 175 mcg (1 vial) inhaled once daily via a standard jet nebulizer.
  • Administer as a nebulized solution with a mouthpiece or facemask.

Pediatrics:

  • Safety and efficacy not established; not recommended.

Elderly:

  • No dosage adjustment necessary; use standard adult dose.

Renal Impairment:

  • No dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment.
  • Use with caution in severe impairment due to lack of data.

Hepatic Impairment:

  • No dosage adjustment recommended for mild or moderate impairment.
  • Use caution in severe hepatic impairment; insufficient data.

Administration Notes:

  • Use once daily at approximately the same time each day.
  • Do not use more than one vial per day.
  • Rinse mouth after use to reduce risk of oral candidiasis.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Revefenacin is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that selectively blocks M3 muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle. By competitively inhibiting these receptors, it prevents acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow in the lungs. Its prolonged receptor binding provides sustained bronchodilatory effects suitable for once-daily dosing in COPD maintenance therapy.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption:
    • Systemic absorption after nebulized administration is low to moderate.
    • Peak plasma concentrations occur approximately approximately 6 to 9 minutes post-dose.
  • Distribution:
    • High plasma protein binding (~71%).
    • Volume of distribution not extensively reported.
  • Metabolism:
    • Primarily metabolized by hydrolysis to an active metabolite (THRX-195518), which has ~10-fold lower potency than parent drug.
    • Minor CYP450 involvement.
  • Elimination:
    • Eliminated mainly via feces (biliary excretion) and urine.
    • Parent drug has a terminal half-life of approximately 22 to 70 hours.
    • Active metabolite has a longer half-life (~50 hours).
Pregnancy Category & Lactation

Pregnancy:

  • No adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
  • Animal studies have not shown direct teratogenic effects at clinically relevant exposures.
  • Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks.

Lactation:

  • Unknown if inhaled revefenacin is excreted in human milk.
  • Caution advised when administered to breastfeeding women; monitor infant for adverse effects.
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Class: Bronchodilator
  • Subclass: Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), anticholinergic bronchodilator
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to revefenacin or any of its excipients
  • Hypersensitivity to other anticholinergic agents (caution)
  • Not indicated for acute bronchospasm or asthma treatment
Warnings & Precautions
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm:
    • Discontinue immediately if it occurs.
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma:
    • Use with caution as anticholinergics may increase intraocular pressure.
  • Urinary retention:
    • Use cautiously in patients with urinary retention or prostatic hypertrophy.
  • Cardiovascular effects:
    • Monitor patients with cardiovascular disease as anticholinergic drugs may cause tachycardia.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions:
    • Rare but may include rash, urticaria, angioedema.
Side Effects

Common Adverse Effects:

  • Cough
  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Back pain

Less Common/Rare:

  • Paradoxical bronchospasm
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Urinary retention
  • Increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma symptoms

Timing:

  • Side effects usually occur within the first weeks of therapy; ongoing monitoring recommended.
Drug Interactions
  • Minimal CYP450 metabolism reduces potential for significant interactions.
  • Caution when used concomitantly with other anticholinergic drugs (additive anticholinergic effects).
  • No significant drug-food or drug-alcohol interactions reported.
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • GOLD 2024 guidelines recommend LAMA agents including nebulized options like revefenacin for maintenance therapy in COPD patients with moderate to severe disease, especially those with difficulty using handheld inhalers.
  • No new major safety warnings or dosing changes reported in the past 2 years by FDA or EMA.
  • Ongoing monitoring recommended for long-term safety.
Storage Conditions
  • Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
  • Protect from freezing and excessive moisture
  • Keep vial in original packaging until use
  • Use immediately after opening vial; discard any unused portion