Icatibant
Also known as Firazyr
Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide approved for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults, a rare genetic condition caused by C1-inhibitor deficiency that leads to episodes of severe swelling. It is designed for patient self-administration by subcutaneous injection at the first sign of an attack, offering an alternative to hospital-based treatments such as C1-inhibitor concentrate. It is not used for prophylaxis and does not treat the underlying enzyme deficiency. It is available only by prescription.
Reported benefits
- Allows rapid, self-administered treatment of acute HAE attacks outside a hospital setting
- Directly targets the bradykinin pathway responsible for HAE swelling
- Consistent efficacy independent of attack location (abdominal, facial, or laryngeal)
How it works
Icatibant is a selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist. In hereditary angioedema, deficient or dysfunctional C1-inhibitor leads to excessive bradykinin generation, which drives vascular permeability and the characteristic swelling of an attack. By blocking bradykinin from binding B2 receptors on vascular endothelium, icatibant interrupts this pathway directly, regardless of the underlying C1-inhibitor defect.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 30 mg | single subcutaneous injection per attack |
| Moderate | 30 mg | may repeat once after 6 hours if the attack persists or recurs |
| High | 90 mg | maximum cumulative dose per 24 hours (3 injections total) |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Icatibant, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Icatibant. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
600units
= 6 mL for a 30 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 600 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Used as monotherapy for a given acute attack; not typically combined with C1-inhibitor concentrate for the same episode in standard practice.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Icatibant used for?
Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide approved for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults, a rare genetic condition caused by C1-inhibitor deficiency that leads to episodes of severe swelling. It is designed for patient self-administration by subcutaneous injection at the first sign of an attack, offering an alternative to hospital-based treatments such as C1-inhibitor concentrate. It is not used for prophylaxis and does not treat the underlying enzyme deficiency. It is available only by prescription. Reported benefits include allows rapid, self-administered treatment of acute hae attacks outside a hospital setting, directly targets the bradykinin pathway responsible for hae swelling, consistent efficacy independent of attack location (abdominal, facial, or laryngeal).
What is a typical Icatibant dose?
Reported ranges run 30-90 mg. A low protocol is 30 mg single subcutaneous injection per attack, and a high protocol is 90 mg maximum cumulative dose per 24 hours (3 injections total). This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Icatibant?
Approximately 1 to 2 hours. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is as needed, during an attack.
How is Icatibant administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Slow subcutaneous injection into the abdominal area; designed for patient self-administration at the onset of an attack.
How long is a Icatibant cycle?
Administered only during an acute hereditary angioedema attack, as needed on, followed by No treatment between attacks; not used for prophylaxis off. Patients are typically trained by a healthcare provider before self-administering at home.
What are the side effects of Icatibant?
Reported side effects include injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), reported in the large majority of patients, fever, transient elevation in liver transaminases, dizziness. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Icatibant may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →