New aprepitant suspension for use in children

Emend (aprepitant) is now available as a powder for oral suspension, allowing use of the neurokinin NK₁ antagonist in children aged 6 months and over.

Licensed for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, the oral suspension can be prescribed for children aged 6 months to 11 years weighing at least 6kg. The recommended dose is based on body weight and should be administered one hour before chemotherapy on days 1, 2 and 3 or in the morning on days 2 and 3 if no chemotherapy is being given.

The oral suspension is supplied as 125mg powder in a sachet to provide a 125mg/5ml oral suspension after reconstitution. Emend capsules containing 80mg or 125mg aprepitant remain available for adults and adolescents.