Drug reference

Reslizumab

Anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody (asthma) · Antiasthmatic

START

3 mg/kg IV over 20–50 min every 4 weeks

TYPICAL MAX

3 mg/kg every 4 weeks

STOP IF

Anaphylaxis / severe infusion reaction

WATCH

Anaphylaxis (boxed) — observe; helminth screen in endemic regions; eosinophil response

CDSCO approvedSchedule HATC R03DX08

Renal dose adjustmenteGFR mL/min/1.73m²

KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label

Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours

ONSET: 6min · infusion start
PEAK: 42min · end infusion
t½: 3.4w · t½ ~24 d
DURATION: 4w · q4w

EXCRETION

Proteolytic catabolism; not excreted intact

route + CYP

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Limited data; uncontrolled severe asthma poses fetal risk — individualise.

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Humanised IgG4 monoclonal antibody binding interleukin-5 (IL-5), blocking IL-5 from binding its receptor on eosinophils → reduces eosinophil maturation and survival; lowers blood/tissue eosinophil counts in severe eosinophilic asthma.

Indications

Severe eosinophilic asthma (add-on, ≥18 y) inadequately controlled despite high-dose ICS-LABA

Dosing

Adult: 3 mg/kg IV over 20–50 min every 4 weeks.
Pediatric: Not established.
Renal adjustment: No specific adjustment.
Hepatic adjustment: No specific adjustment.
Geriatric: Standard adult dose.
Max dose: 3 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Reduces eosinophils within days; clinical benefit over weeks

Peak effect

End of infusion (serum)

Duration

~4-week dosing interval

Half-life

~24 days

Bioavailability

IV 100%

Protein binding

Not applicable

Metabolism

Proteolytic catabolism

Excretion

Catabolised (not renally/hepatically excreted intact)

Contraindications

Severe hypersensitivity to reslizumab
Acute asthma exacerbation (not for rescue use)

Side effects

Common

Oropharyngeal painHeadacheElevated creatine kinaseMyalgia

Serious

Anaphylaxis (boxed)
Helminth infection risk (eosinophils have role)
Severe hypersensitivity

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Limited data; uncontrolled severe asthma poses fetal risk — individualise.

Lactation

Limited data; weigh benefit/risk.

Drug interactions

Anti Helminthic Drugs

Moderate

Database

Eosinophils have anti-parasitic role

Pre-treat helminth infection before reslizumab; periodic monitoring