Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BARHEMSYS versus EMEND.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BARHEMSYS versus EMEND.
BARHEMSYS vs EMEND
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
BARHEMSYS (amisulpride) is a selective dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist. It also has weak affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors, with no significant activity at other dopamine or serotonin receptor subtypes. Its antiemetic effect is primarily mediated through blockade of D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ).
Selective substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, which inhibits the binding of substance P in the emetic pathway.
BARHEMSYS (amisulpride) 10 mg intravenously over 2 minutes, once daily for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
125 mg orally once 1 hour before chemotherapy; then 80 mg orally once daily on Days 2 and 3.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 24 hours, supporting once-daily dosing in most patients.
9–13 hours (terminal) in healthy adults; clinically, this supports once-daily dosing. In patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min), half-life is prolonged to ~16 hours.
Renal excretion accounts for approximately 50% of the dose as unchanged drug; fecal elimination (including biliary) accounts for approximately 30-40%.
Primarily metabolized; ~5% unchanged in urine, ~57% in feces as metabolites, ~32% in urine as metabolites. Renal elimination of parent drug is minimal.
Category C
Category C
Antiemetic
Antiemetic