Eflornithine
Mechanism :
Cream: Eflornithine inhibits the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) which inhibits cell division and synthetic functions and thereby affects the rate of hair growth.
Indication :
- Facial hair reduction: Reduce unwanted hair in females from the face and adjacent areas under the chin.
- Off-Label: Meningoencephalitic stage of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection (sleeping sickness)
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any component of the formulation.
Dosing :
Available as IV injection and 13.9% cream.
Facial hair reduction (females):
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Apply thin layer of cream to affected areas of face and areas under the chin twice daily, at least 8 hours apart.
Treatment of infections caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection (sleeping sickness) (off-label use):
IV infusion:
100 mg/kg/dose given every 6 hours for 14 days.
Adverse Effect :
Acne vulgaris, pseudo folliculitis barbae, Headache, tingling of skin, dizziness, stinging of the skin, burning sensation of skin, pruritus, skin rash, xeroderma, erythema, alopecia.
Interaction :
No known significant interactions.
Hepatic Dose :
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available.