II. Indications
- Refractory Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause (Hot Flashes)
- Second-line option when hormonal therapy is contraindicated
III. Contraindications
- Seizure Disorder
- Cirrhosis or liver transaminases >2x upper limit normal
IV. Mechanism
- Elinzanetant blocks both Neurokinin 3 and neurokinin 1 receptors
- Contrast with Fezolinetant which primarily blocks Neurokinin 3 receptor
-
Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonist
- Small molecule NK3 Receptor Antagonist
- Blocks neurokinin B (NKB) at the infundibular nucleus of the Hypothalamus
-
Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist
- Cross the blood brain barrier to inhibit CNS substance-P activity
- Typically used to prevent Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting
- Blocks the neurokinin-1 receptor (a tachykinin)
- Antiemetic (synergistic with 5-HT3 Antagonists)
- Anxiolysis and Antidepressant properties
- Neurokinin B (NKB) regulates temperarture
- Blockade can decrease Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause (Hot Flashes)
V. Medications
- Elinzanetant Capsules 60 mg
- 120 mg (two 60 mg capsules) orally once daily at bedtime with or without food.
VI. Dosing
- Elinzanetant 120 mg (two 60 mg capsules) orally once daily at bedtime with or without food
- Swallow capsules whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew capsules
VII. Adverse Effects
- Common
- Serious
- Hepatic Transaminase Elevations
- Unlike Fezolinetant, Elinzanetant does not carry the same liver injury warning
- Do not start Elinzanetant if transaminases are >2x upper limit normal
- However, obtain baseline hepatic panel prior to starting, then at 3 months
- Stop medication if transaminases increase >2x upper limit normal
- Seizures
- Hepatic Transaminase Elevations
VIII. Safety
- Containdicated in Pregnancy
- May cause pregnancy loss or Stillbirth
IX. Efficacy
- Elinzanetant reduces Hot Flashes by 3 per day
- Less effective than hormonal therapy for Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
- Similar to SNRIs, SSRIs and Gabapentin in hot flash reduction
X. Drug Interactions
- Avoid with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. Clarithromycin, Grapefruit)
- Decrease Elinzanetant dose to 60 mg when moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors are used
XI. Resources
XII. References
- (2025, Jan) Presc Insights, No. 420111