icatibant acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Selective bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist
Licensed role
Symptomatic treatment of acute hereditary angioedema attacks associated with C1-esterase-inhibitor deficiency
Administration
Slow injection under the skin, usually in the abdomen
Home use
Trained adults may self-inject; trained caregivers may administer it to adults or children
What is icatibant acetate used for?
Icatibant acetate treats acute bradykinin-mediated swelling attacks.
Licensed for acute hereditary angioedema attacks in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and older with C1-esterase-inhibitor deficiency.
In a non-licensed specialist context, NHS England commissions it under defined criteria for adults with moderate-to-severe acute bradykinin-mediated angioedema and normal C1 inhibitor. Medication-induced angioedema is excluded.
How does icatibant acetate work?
Excess bradykinin makes small blood vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues. Icatibant competitively blocks bradykinin B2 receptors, reducing this process and helping symptoms settle.
icatibant acetate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 30 mg
How to take icatibant acetate
Use only under a specialist plan and after appropriate injection training.
Inject slowly into fatty tissue under the skin, usually in the abdomen.
Adults may self-inject after training. A trained caregiver administers it to children and adolescents.
Check that the solution is clear, colourless and free from particles.
Each pre-filled syringe is single use. Discard the syringe and needle in a sharps container.
icatibant acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site redness, swelling, pain, burning, itching, warmth, bruising or numbness
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea
- Rash, itching or skin redness
- Fever
- Raised liver enzymes on blood testing
Get urgent medical advice
- Seek emergency assessment for tongue or throat swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, or voice changes. These may indicate an upper-airway attack.
- Seek urgent help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, widespread swelling or collapse.
icatibant acetate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy evidence is limited, although small published reports have not identified adverse pregnancy outcomes. Use should be considered only when the potential benefit justifies the fetal risk, with planning by specialist hereditary angioedema and maternity teams.
icatibant acetate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether icatibant enters human breast milk. Product information recommends temporarily interrupting breastfeeding after treatment; obtain a specialist plan where possible.
icatibant acetate interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited, but interactions through cytochrome P450 metabolism are not expected.
Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors
These can increase bradykinin and are contraindicated in people with hereditary angioedema because they may trigger or worsen swelling. Co-administration with icatibant has not been studied.
Common questions about icatibant acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is icatibant acetate used for?
It treats symptoms during an acute hereditary angioedema attack caused by C1-esterase-inhibitor deficiency.
Does it prevent hereditary angioedema attacks?
No. It treats an attack and does not provide long-term prevention.
Is it an antihistamine or steroid?
No. It blocks bradykinin B2 receptors and works differently from antihistamines, steroids and adrenaline.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.