FDA-approved label information
Reproduced from the FDA Structured Product Label via the openFDA API. Label version: June 17, 2026.
- Status
- Human Prescription Drug
- Brand names
- Barhemsys
- Route
- Intravenous
- Drug class
- Dopamine-2 Receptor Antagonist [EPC]
Description
11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient of BARHEMSYS is amisulpride, a dopamine-2 (D 2 ) receptor antagonist. Its chemical name is 4-Amino- N -[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-(ethylsulfonyl)- o -anisamide. It has the following chemical structure: (racemic) The empirical formula is C 17 H 27 N 3 O 4 S representing a molecular weight of 369.48. Amisulpride is a white or almost white crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol and freely soluble in methylene chloride, and has a melting point of around 126°C. The compound is racemic and shows no optical rotation and is not hygroscopic. No other polymorphs of amisulpride have been reported. BARHEMSYS (amisulpride) injection is a clear, colorless, nonpyrogenic, sterile solution formulation of amisulpride 5 mg/2 mL (2.5 mg/mL) or 10 mg/4 mL (2.5 mg/mL) for intravenous infusion presented in a single-dose vial. It has a pH of approximately 5.0 and the osmolality of the product is between 250 and 330 mOsmol/kg. Each 2 mL vial of BARHEMSYS contains 5 mg of amisulpride; 18.7 mg of citric acid monohydrate USP; 3.6 mg of sodium chloride USP; 32.64 mg of trisodium citrate dihydrate; hydrochloric acid NF and sodium hydroxide NF as needed to adjust the pH (4.75 to 5.25); and Water for Injection USP to make up to volume. Each 4 mL vial of BARHEMSYS contains 10 mg of amisulpride; 37.4 mg of citric acid monohydrate USP; 7.2 mg of sodium chloride USP; 65.3 mg of trisodium citrate dihydrate; hydrochloric acid NF and sodium hydroxide NF as needed to adjust the pH (4.75 to 5.25); and Water for Injection USP to make up to volume. Chemical Structure
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE BARHEMSYS ® is indicated in adults for: prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), either alone or in combination with an antiemetic of a different class. treatment of PONV in patients who have received antiemetic prophylaxis with an agent of a different class or have not received prophylaxis. BARHEMSYS is a dopamine-2 (D 2 ) antagonist indicated in adults for: Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), either alone or in combination with an antiemetic of a different class. ( 1 ) Treatment of PONV in patients who have received antiemetic prophylaxis with an agent of a different class or have not received prophylaxis. ( 1 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS BARHEMSYS is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to amisulpride [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Known hypersensitivity to amisulpride. ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS QT Prolongation : Occurs in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome and in patients taking droperidol. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias/cardiac conduction disorders; electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia); congestive heart failure; and in patients taking other medicinal products (e.g., ondansetron) or with other medical conditions known to prolong the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 7.2 ) 5.1 QT Prolongation BARHEMSYS causes dose- and concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . The recommended dosage is 5 or 10 mg as a single intravenous dose infused over 1 to 2 minutes [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome and in patients taking droperidol. Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is recommended in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias/cardiac conduction disorders; electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia); congestive heart failure; and in patients taking other medicinal products (e.g., ondansetron) or with other medical conditions known to prolong the QT interval [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) are: Prevention of PONV : increased blood prolactin concentrations, chills, hypokalemia, procedural hypotension, and abdominal distension. ( 6.1 ) Treatment of PONV : infusion site pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Acacia Pharma at 1-877-357-9237 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to BARHEMSYS in 1,166 patients treated in placebo-controlled trials. 748 of these patients received a dose of 5 mg for prevention of PONV (of whom 572 received another antiemetic concomitantly) and 418 patients received 10 mg for treatment of PONV [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2) ] . The mean age of the population was 49 years (range 18 to 91 years), 87% female, 80% White/Caucasian, 9% Black, and 1% Asian. Prevention of PONV Common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of adult patients who received BARHEMSYS 5 mg and at a higher rate than placebo in Studies 1 and 2 for the prevention of PONV are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Common Adverse Reactions Reported in at least 2% of patients treated with BARHEMSYS and at a higher rate than placebo in Adult Patients in Studies 1 and 2 of BARHEMSYS for Prevention of PONV BARHEMSYS 5 mg Placebo N=748 N=741 Chills 4% 3% Hypokalemia 4% 2% Procedural hypotension 3% 2% Abdominal distension 2% 1% Serum prolactin concentrations were measured in Study 1 where 5% (9/176) of BARHEMSYS-treated patients vs 1% (1/166) of placebo-treated patients had increased blood prolactin reported as an adverse reaction. Serum prolactin concentrations increased from a mean of 10 ng/mL at baseline to 32 ng/mL after BARHEMSYS treatment in 112 females (upper limit of normal 29 ng/mL) and from 10 ng/mL to 19 ng/mL in 61 males (upper limit of normal 18 ng/mL). No clinical consequences due to elevated prolactin levels were reported. Treatment of PONV The most common adverse reaction, reported in at least 2% of adult patients who received BARHEMSYS 10 mg (N=418) and at a higher rate than placebo (N=416), in clinical trials for the treatment of PONV (Studies 3 and 4) was infusion site pain (BARHEMSYS 6%; placebo 4%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval chronic oral use of amisulpride outside of the United States (BARHEMSYS is not approved for oral dosing or chronic use). Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and lymphatic system disorders : agranulocytosis Cardiac disorders : bradycardia, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, prolonged QT by electrocardiogram General disorders : neuroleptic malignant syndrome Immune system disorders : angioedema, hypersensitivity, urticaria Hepatic disorders : increased hepatic enzymes Nervous system disorders : agitation, anxiety, dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, seizure Psychiatric disorders : confusional state, insomnia, somnolence Vascular disorders : hypotension
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Dopamine Agonists Reciprocal antagonism of effects occurs between dopamine agonists (e.g., levodopa) and BARHEMSYS. Avoid using levodopa with BARHEMSYS. 7.2 Drugs Prolonging the QT Interval BARHEMSYS causes dose- and concentration-dependent QT prolongation [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . To avoid potential additive effects, avoid use of BARHEMSYS in patients taking droperidol. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients taking other drugs known to prolong the QT interval (e.g., ondansetron) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
Use in specific populations
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation : A lactating woman may pump and discard breast milk for 48 hours after BARHEMSYS administration. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with amisulpride use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects observed with oral administration of amisulpride in rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at exposures about 43 and 645 times, respectively, the exposure delivered by the highest recommended human dose (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Reproduction studies of amisulpride were conducted in pregnant rats administered oral doses up to 160 mg/kg/day (43 times the exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the highest recommended dose of 10 mg) throughout the period of organogenesis. No adverse embryo-fetal developmental effects were observed at any dose level. Maternal animals exhibited a dose-related decrease in overall mean body weight gain. In rabbits administered amisulpride throughout the period of organogenesis, oral doses up to 210 mg/kg/day (645 times the exposure based on AUC at the highest recommended dose of 10 mg) had no adverse developmental effects on the fetus. Maternal animals exhibited reduced mean body weight gain at doses of 100 and 210 mg/kg/day and reduced food intake was observed at 210 mg/kg/day. The pre- and post-natal developmental effects of amisulpride were assessed in rats administered oral doses of 60, 100 or 160 mg/kg/day during the periods of organogenesis and lactation. At 160 mg/kg/day (43 times the exposure based on AUC at the highest recommended dose of 10 mg), maternal animals exhibited a reduction in mean body weight gain and decrease in food intake during lactation. Amisulpride had no effect on maternal pregnancy parameters, litter survival or pup growth, development or maturation at any dose tested. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Based on case reports in published literature, amisulpride is present in human milk at concentrations that are 11- to 20-fold higher than human plasma in patients taking multiple oral doses of amisulpride (200 to 400 mg/day). The estimated infant daily dose ranged from 5% to 11% of the maternal dose. There are ways to minimize drug exposure to a breastfed infant (see Clinical Considerations ). There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed child and no information on the effects of amisulpride on milk production. The pharmacological action of amisulpride, a dopamine-2 (D 2 ) receptor antagonist, may result in an increase in serum prolactin levels, which may lead to a reversible increase in maternal milk production [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for BARHEMSYS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from BARHEMSYS or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations A lactating woman may consider interrupting breastfeeding and pumping and discarding breast milk for 48 hours after BARHEMSYS administration to minimize drug exposure to a breastfed infant. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility In animal fertility studies, administration of repeated doses of amisulpride over a 10-day period to female rats resulted in infertility that was reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ]. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of patients enrolled in controlled clinical trials who received BARHEMSYS 5 mg for prevention of PONV or 10 mg for treatment of PONV, 235 (17%) were 65 years of age and older, while 59 (4%) were 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with amisulpride use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects observed with oral administration of amisulpride in rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at exposures about 43 and 645 times, respectively, the exposure delivered by the highest recommended human dose (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Reproduction studies of amisulpride were conducted in pregnant rats administered oral doses up to 160 mg/kg/day (43 times the exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the highest recommended dose of 10 mg) throughout the period of organogenesis. No adverse embryo-fetal developmental effects were observed at any dose level. Maternal animals exhibited a dose-related decrease in overall mean body weight gain. In rabbits administered amisulpride throughout the period of organogenesis, oral doses up to 210 mg/kg/day (645 times the exposure based on AUC at the highest recommended dose of 10 mg) had no adverse developmental effects on the fetus. Maternal animals exhibited reduced mean body weight gain at doses of 100 and 210 mg/kg/day and reduced food intake was observed at 210 mg/kg/day. The pre- and post-natal developmental effects of amisulpride were assessed in rats administered oral doses of 60, 100 or 160 mg/kg/day during the periods of organogenesis and lactation. At 160 mg/kg/day (43 times the exposure based on AUC at the highest recommended dose of 10 mg), maternal animals exhibited a reduction in mean body weight gain and decrease in food intake during lactation. Amisulpride had no effect on maternal pregnancy parameters, litter survival or pup growth, development or maturation at any dose tested.
Paediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Doses of oral amisulpride (BARHEMSYS is not approved for oral dosing) above 1200 mg/day have been associated with adverse reactions related to dopamine-2 (D 2 ) antagonism, in particular: cardiovascular adverse reactions (e.g., prolongation of the QT interval, torsades de pointes, bradycardia and hypotension) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . neuropsychiatric adverse reactions (e.g., sedation, coma, seizures, and dystonic and extrapyramidal reactions). There is no specific antidote for amisulpride overdose. Management includes cardiac monitoring and treatment of severe extrapyramidal symptoms. Since amisulpride is weakly dialyzed, hemodialysis should not be used to eliminate the drug.
Source: US Food and Drug Administration, via the openFDA API. The FDA does not review, endorse or verify third-party reproductions of this data, and label information may have been updated since it was retrieved.
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