Mycophenolate mofetil
Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressant prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA). It selectively inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an essential enzyme for the de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides in T and B lymphocytes. By suppressing lymphocyte proliferation and antibody formation, it prevents the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be prescribed and monitored by a transplant specialist. Usually administered twice daily on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Dosage in pediatric patients is typically calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA) rather than weight alone. Do not crush, chew, or open capsules.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in infants under 3 months or patients under 5 kg have not been established. Strictly follow specialist instructions.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric dosing must be calculated using Body Surface Area (BSA). Use the oral suspension formulation for precise dosing.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Administer using oral suspension. Regular blood count monitoring is required due to the risk of neutropenia.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be individualized by a pediatric transplant specialist. Ensure consistent administration relative to food intake.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Oral suspension is preferred. Capsules (250 mg) may be considered only if the calculated BSA-based dose matches capsule strengths and the child can swallow them whole.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in infants under 3 months or patients under 5 kg have not been established. Strictly follow specialist instructions. |
| 5-7 kg | Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose) | Twice daily | Pediatric dosing must be calculated using Body Surface Area (BSA). Use the oral suspension formulation for precise dosing. |
| 8-10 kg | Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose) | Twice daily | Administer using oral suspension. Regular blood count monitoring is required due to the risk of neutropenia. |
| 11-15 kg | Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose) | Twice daily | Dose must be individualized by a pediatric transplant specialist. Ensure consistent administration relative to food intake. |
| 16-20 kg | Dosed by BSA (typically 600 mg/m² per dose) | Twice daily | Oral suspension is preferred. Capsules (250 mg) may be considered only if the calculated BSA-based dose matches capsule strengths and the child can swallow them whole. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac, or hepatic transplants (typically in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids). It is also used off-label for severe autoimmune conditions such as lupus nephritis.
Generic Name
Mycophenolate mofetilBranded Drug Names
Mycophenolate mofetil is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.