From the Guidelines
Armodafinil is not recommended as a first-line treatment for cancer-related fatigue due to the lack of direct evidence supporting its use in this context. While modafinil, a related medication, has been studied for cancer-related fatigue, armodafinil's efficacy and safety in this specific population are not well established 1.
Mechanism of Action and Side Effects
Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent that affects certain brain chemicals controlling the sleep-wake cycle, similar to modafinil. Common side effects of modafinil, which may also apply to armodafinil, include headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia 1.
Clinical Considerations
In clinical practice, when considering treatments for cancer-related fatigue, healthcare providers should prioritize medications with established efficacy and safety profiles for this condition. Modafinil has been studied in the context of cancer-related fatigue, with some evidence suggesting its effectiveness in reducing fatigue and improving quality of life 1. However, the use of armodafinil for cancer-related fatigue should be approached with caution and considered only when other evidence-based treatments have been exhausted, due to the lack of direct evidence supporting its use in this context.
Dosage and Administration
If armodafinil is considered for off-label use in cancer-related fatigue, typical dosages range from 150-250 mg taken once daily in the morning. However, the decision to prescribe armodafinil should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's overall health status, potential drug interactions, and the absence of more established treatment options. Patients should be closely monitored for side effects and efficacy, and alternative treatments should be considered if armodafinil is not effective or is poorly tolerated.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Armodanafil Information
- There is no direct information available on armodanafil in the provided studies.
- However, the studies discuss phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which are a class of drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, work by reducing the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, allowing erectile function to occur by relaxation of penile smooth muscle 2.
- These drugs have been shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction, with varying durations of action and potential side effects 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Related Studies
- A study published in 2005 discussed the efficacy and safety of PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil 2.
- Another study published in 2002 compared the efficacy and side effects of these three PDE5 inhibitors 3.
- A 2016 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sildenafil in men with erectile dysfunction, stratified by age 4.
- A 2005 review compared the options for treatment of erectile dysfunction, including PDE5 inhibitors, and discussed the importance of a patient-centered approach 5.
- A 2013 review discussed drug interactions with PDE5 inhibitors, including the potential for severe hypotension and syncope when co-administered with nitrates or α-blockers 6.