Erlotinib
Brand: Tarceva (US/EU) / Erlotinib (IN/BD)
Anticancer
EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 36 hours |
| Tmax | 4 h |
| Bioavailability | 60 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 95 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 2 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Smoking increases clearance → smokers need higher dose. Avoid PPIs (↓ absorption). |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
Rash, diarrhoea, hepatotoxicity, interstitial lung disease (rare)
Contraindications:
Severe hepatic failure
Precautions:
Avoid PPIs; check LFTs; counsel rash management