Macrilen/macimorelin Cost, Side effects, Dosage, Uses

Macrilen/macimorelin Cost, Side effects, Dosage, Uses.

Macrilen is the brand name of macimorelin acetate. It is an agonist of ghrelin. It is used in evaluating deficiency of adult growth hormone. This drug was developed by aeterna zentaris. Macrilen binds with receptor named growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) which is responsible for release of growth hormone from pituitary gland. There are some limitations with use of Macrilen drug i.e. it is not effective in diagnosing adult hormone with BMI >40 kg/m2. With Macrilen, increase in QT interval can be seen. 11 micro sec in corrected QT interval is increased.

So Macrilen is not recommended to use in combination of drugs responsible for prolong QT interval. If it is administered with drugs causing prolong QT interval, it may lead to development of torsade de pointes type ventricular tachycardia. Macrilen is considered a diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency. There are some drugs which can increase the functioning of Macrilen drug like drugs effecting release of growth hormone from pituitary gland (insulin) and drugs which inhibit cyclooxygenase enzyme (aspirin). Administration of drugs intriguing production of growth hormone should be quit right 1 week before administration of diagnostic test i.e. Macrilen. It is the most effective drug diagnosing growth hormone deficiency.

Macrilen/macimorelin Mechanism of Action

Macrilen mimics the effect of ghrelin or known as agonist of ghrelin. Ghrelin is the hormone which releases in response to hunger. It release from cells present in stomach and pancreas. Peptide is released by ghrelin neuropeptide. Ghrelin or Macrilen primarily stimulates release of growth hormone via activating receptor named growth hormone secretagogue receptor. These receptor lies in hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This is the mechanism of action of Macrilen. And it diagnose level of growth hormone because it mimics ghrelin. Its absorption is total dependent on its dosage concentration i.e. o.5 mg/kg/dose.

Macrilen/macimorelin Dosage

       
Macrilen is available in the form of granules containing 60 mg/ packet (0.5 mg/ml) reconstitution.
Macrilen is administered after at least 8 hours of fasting. Dosage recommended is 0.5 mg/ kg PO as a single dose. There are some precautions which should be followed while administering Macrilen.
Drugs responsible for prolong QT interval should be completely washout from body. As Macrilen is contraindicated with these drugs. Macrilen is not recommended with drugs causing prolong QT interval in the form of combination. Administration of Macrilen with drugs effecting secretion of growth hormone in pituitary gland is completely prohibited.

Macrilen/macimorelin Side effects

       
Macrilen is a diagnostic drug. So its administration require great care. A little higher dose concentration may cause serious adverse effects or can make side effects worse.

Some of the common side effects related to administration of Macrilen are as follow:

• Dysgeusia may occur sometimes.
• Patient may feel dizziness and headache.
• Nausea is reported in about 3 percent of cases.
• Fatigue, diarrhea and increased feeling of hunger are also reported side effects.
• Rare chances of upper respiratory tract infection UTI
• Nasopharyngitis, sinus bradycardia and hyperhidrosis may occur.
• Last but not least, patient may feel hotness in body.