Aprepitant
Aprepitant is an antiemetic medication used to prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy by blocking substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors.
Aprepitant is an NK1 receptor antagonist used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A04AD12
- RxNorm
- 358255
- Generic
- Aprepitant
- Class
- atc-a04
- Brands
- Cinvanti, Aponvie, Emend
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, suspension, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid unless benefits outweigh risks
use only if benefits to mother outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid unless benefits outweigh risks
use only if benefits to mother outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid unless benefits outweigh risks
use only if benefits to mother outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue aprepitant therapy
monitor infant for any adverse effects
pediatric_age
children 6 months and olderweight-based dosing required
approved for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients
standard pediatric monitoring
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno adjustment needed
no specific dosage adjustment required for elderly patients
standard geriatric monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available for severe renal impairment use with caution
close monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard hepatic function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severelimited data
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
close monitoring of hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist antiemetic
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Emend capsules
Common uses
Primary indication for acute and delayed CINV
Commonly prescribed since
Post-chemotherapy antiemetic prophylaxis
Prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), particularly associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. May also be used for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Aprepitant is a selective high-affinity antagonist of the substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor. By blocking NK1 receptors in the central nervous system, it prevents the binding of substance P, a key neurotransmitter involved in triggering the vomiting reflex.
Used in combination with other antiemetics (5-HT3 antagonists and corticosteroids) for optimal efficacy. Generally well-tolerated with most common side effects including fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances. May interact with certain medications metabolized through CYP3A4; patients should disclose all current medications to their healthcare provider.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy