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bosentan
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosentan | 32 mg/1 | 349253 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Cytochrome P450 2C9 Inducers [MoA] | MoA | All 46 members |
| Cytochrome P450 3A Inducers [MoA] | MoA | All 37 members |
| Endothelin Receptor Antagonist [EPC] | EPC | All 10 members |
| Endothelin Receptor Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 10 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 213981-001 | BOSENTAN | TABLET, FOR SUSPENSION | BOSENTAN | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 1 | REMS | Approved | March 3, 2026 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | February 17, 2026 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251112). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: RISKS OF HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYO-FETALTOXICITY Because of the risks of hepatotoxicity and birth defects, bosentan tablets for oral suspension is available only through a restricted program called the Bosentan REMS Program. Under the Bosentan REMS, prescribers, patients, and pharmacies must enroll in the program [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Hepatotoxicity In clinical studies, bosentan caused at least 3-fold upper limit of normal (ULN) elevation of liver aminotransferases (ALT and AST) in about 11% of patients, accompanied by elevated bilirubin in a small number of cases. Because these changes are a marker for potential serious hepatotoxicity, serum aminotransferase levels must be measured prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In the post marketing period, in the setting of close monitoring, rare cases of unexplained hepatic cirrhosis were reported after prolonged (> 12 months) therapy with bosentan in patients with multiple comorbidities and drug therapies. There have also been reports of liver failure. The contribution of bosentan in these cases could not be excluded. In at least one case, the initial presentation (after > 20 months of treatment) included pronounced elevations in aminotransferases and bilirubin levels accompanied by non-specific symptoms, all of which resolved slowly over time after discontinuation of bosentan. This case reinforces the importance of strict adherence to the monthly monitoring schedule for the duration of treatment and the treatment algorithm, which includes stopping bosentan with a rise of aminotransferases accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Elevations in aminotransferases require close attention [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Bosentan should generally be avoided in patients with elevated aminotransferases (>3xULN) at baseline because monitoring for hepatotoxicity may be more difficult. If liver aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual lethargy or fatigue) or increases in bilirubin ≥2xULN, treatment with bosentan should be stopped. There is no experience with the reintroduction of bosentan in these circumstances. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Bosentan is likely to cause major birth defects if used by pregnant females based on animal data [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Therefore, pregnancy must be excluded before the start of treatment with bosentan. Throughout treatment and for one month after stopping bosentan, females of reproductive potential must use two reliable methods of contraception unless the patient has an intrauterine device (IUD) or tubal sterilization, in which case no other contraception is needed. Hormonal contraceptives, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and implantable contraceptives should not be used as the sole means of contraception because these may not be effective in patients receiving bosentan [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . Obtain monthly pregnancy tests. WARNING: RISKS OF HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Bosentan tablets for oral suspension are available only through a restricted distribution program called the Bosentan REMS Program because of these risks ( 5.3 ): Elevations of liver aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and liver failure have been reported with bosentan ( 5.1 ). Measure liver aminotransferases prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly ( 2.1 , 5.1 ). Discontinue bosentan if aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction or injury or increases in bilirubin ≥2xULN ( 2.4 , 5.1 ). Based on animal data, bosentan is likely to cause major birth defects if used during pregnancy ( 4.1 , 5.2 , 8.1 ). Must exclude pregnancy be …
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingRECENT MAJOR CHANGES Boxed Warning 11/2025 Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ) 11/2025 Contraindications ( 4.1 ) 11/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 ) 11/2025
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bosentan tablets for oral suspension are indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1): in adults to improve exercise ability and to decrease clinical worsening. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominantly patients with WHO Functional Class II-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (60%), PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (21%) and PAH associated with congenital heart disease with left-to-right shunts (18%) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older with idiopathic or congenital PAH to improve pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which is expected to result in an improvement in exercise ability. Bosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1): in adults to improve exercise ability and to decrease clinical worsening. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominantly patients with WHO Functional Class II-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (60%), PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (21%) and PAH associated with congenital heart disease with left-to- right shunts (18%) ( 1 ). in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older with idiopathic or congenital PAH to improve pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which is expected to result in an improvement in exercise ability ( 1 ).
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Patients older than 12 years of age: initiate at 62.5 mg orally twice daily; for patients weighing greater than 40 kg, increase to 125 mg orally twice daily after 4 weeks ( 2.2 ). • Patients 12 years of age and younger: dosage is based on weight, see Table 1 ( 2.2 ). • Reduce the dose and closely monitor patients developing aminotransferase elevations more than 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) ( 2.1 ). 2.1 Required Monitoring Healthcare professionals who prescribe bosentan tablets for oral suspension must enroll in the Bosentan REMS Program and must comply with the required monitoring to minimize the risks associated with bosentan [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Obtain a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to bosentan treatment, monthly during treatment and one month after stopping bosentan. Initiate treatment with bosentan in females of reproductive potential only after a negative pregnancy test [see Boxed Warning , Contraindications (4.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . Measure liver aminotransferase levels prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage Administer bosentan orally following the dosing recommendations in Table 1. Doses above 125 mg twice daily did not appear to confer additional benefit sufficient to offset the increased risk of hepatotoxicity. Table 1: Dosing Recommendations Initial 4 weeks Maintenance (after 4 weeks) Patients >12 years of age and >40 kg 62.5 mg twice daily 125 mg twice daily Patients >12 years of age and 3xULN ALT/AST levels Treatment and monitoring recommendations > 3 and ≤ 5xULN Confirm by another aminotransferase test; if confirmed, - in adults and pediatric patients >12 years and >40 kg , reduce the daily dose to 62.5 mg twice daily or interrupt treatment, and monitor aminotransferase levels at least every 2 weeks. If the aminotransferase levels return to pretreatment values, treatment may continue or be reintroduced at 62.5 mg twice daily, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. - in all other pediatric patients, interrupt treatment with no prior dose reduction. If the aminotransferase levels return to pretreatment values, reintroduce at the dose used prior to treatment interruption, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. > 5 and ≤ 8xULN Confirm by another aminotransferase test; if confirmed, stop treatment and monitor aminotransferase levels at least every 2 weeks. Once the aminotransferase levels return to pretreatment values, - in adults and pediatric patients >12 years and >40 kg , consider reintroduction of treatment at 62.5 mg twice daily, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. - in all other pediatric patients , consider reintroduction at the dose used prior to treatment interruption, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. > 8xULN Stop treatment permanently. There is no experience with reintroduction of bosentan in these circumstances. 2.5 Use with Ritonavir Co-administration of Bosentan in Patients on Ritonavir In patients who have been receiving ritonavir for at least 10 days, start bosentan at the recommended initial dose once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability [see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Co-administration of Ritonavir in Patients on Bosentan Discontinue use of bosentan at least 36 hours prior to initiation of ritonavir. After at least 10 days following the initiation of ritonavir, resume bosentan at the recommended initial dose once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability [see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 2.6 Use in Patients with Pre-existing Hepatic Impairment Avoid initiation of bosentan in patients with aminotransferases >3xULN. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mildly impaired liver function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3. DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 32 mg tablets for oral suspension: off-white to pale yellow colored, clover shaped, uncoated tablets, debossed with “32” on the side opposite the quadrisection lines. • Tablet for oral suspension: 32 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4. CONTRAINDICATIONS • Pregnancy ( 4.1 ) • Use with Cyclosporine A ( 4.2 ) • Use with Glyburide ( 4.3 ) • Hypersensitivity ( 4.4 ) 4.1 Pregnancy Use of bosentan is contraindicated in females who are or may become pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, females of reproductive potential must use two reliable forms of contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping bosentan [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Drug Interactions (7.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 4.2 Use with Cyclosporine A Co-administration of cyclosporine A and bosentan resulted in markedly increased plasma concentrations of bosentan. Therefore, concomitant use of bosentan and cyclosporine A is contraindicated [see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 4.3 Use with Glyburide An increased risk of liver enzyme elevations was observed in patients receiving glyburide concomitantly with bosentan. Therefore co-administration of glyburide and bosentan is contraindicated [see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 4.4 Hypersensitivity Bosentan is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to bosentan or any component of the product. Observed reactions include Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), anaphylaxis, rash, and angioedema [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) , Description (11) ] .
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Fluid retention: May require intervention ( 5.4 ). • Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD): If signs of pulmonary edema occur, consider the diagnosis of associated PVOD and consider discontinuing bosentan ( 5.5 ). • Decreased sperm counts ( 5.6 ). • Decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit: Monitor hemoglobin levels after 1 and 3 months of treatment, then every 3 months thereafter ( 5.7 ). 5.1 Hepatotoxicity ALT or AST > 3xULN were observed in 11% of bosentan-treated patients (n = 658) compared to 2% of placebo-treated patients (n = 280). Three-fold increases were seen in 12% of 95 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients on 125 mg twice daily and 14% of 70 PAH patients on 250 mg twice daily. Eight-fold increases were seen in 2% of PAH patients on 125 mg twice daily and 7% of PAH patients on 250 mg twice daily. Bilirubin increases to ≥3xULN were associated with aminotransferase increases in 2 of 658 (0.3%) of patients treated with bosentan. In a pooled analysis of four pediatric studies conducted in PAH (n =100), elevations in liver aminotransferases ≥3×ULN were observed in 2% of patients. The combination of hepatocellular injury (increases in aminotransferases of > 3xULN) and increases in total bilirubin (≥2xULN) is a marker for potential serious hepatotoxicity. Elevations of AST or ALT associated with bosentan are dose-dependent, occur both early and late in treatment, usually progress slowly, are typically asymptomatic, and usually have been reversible after treatment interruption or cessation. Aminotransferase elevations also may reverse spontaneously while continuing treatment with bosentan. Liver aminotransferase levels must be measured prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly and therapy adjusted accordingly [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.4 )] . Discontinue bosentan if liver aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual lethargy or fatigue) or increases in bilirubin ≥2xULN. Avoid initiation of bosentan in patients with elevated aminotransferases (>3xULN) prior to drug initiation because monitoring hepatotoxicity in these patients may be more difficult [see Boxed Warning , Dosage and Administration (2.6) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . In WHO Functional Class II patients, consider whether the benefits of bosentan are sufficient to offset the risk of hepatotoxicity, which may preclude future use as their disease progresses. 5.2 Embryo-fetal Toxicity Based on data from animal reproduction studies, bosentan may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Obtain a pregnancy test prior to bosentan treatment, monthly during treatment and for one month after stopping treatment. Advise females of reproductive potential to use two reliable forms of contraception during treatment with bosentan and for at least one month after the last dose [see Dosage and Administration (2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . Bosentan tablets for oral suspension is only available for females through a restricted program under REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 5.3 Prescribing and Distribution Program for Bosentan Because of the risks of hepatotoxicity and birth defects, bosentan tablets for oral suspension is available only through a restricted program called the Bosentan REMS Program. As a component of the Bosentan REMS, prescribers, patients, and pharmacies must enroll in the program [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) , Contraindications (4.1) ] . Required components of the bosentan tablets for oral suspension REMS are: Healthcare professionals who prescribe bosentan tablets for oral suspension must review the prescriber educational materials, enroll in the Bosentan REMS Program and comply with its r …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatotoxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Embryo-fetal Toxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Fluid Retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Common adverse reactions (≥ 3% more than placebo) for the film- coated tablet are respiratory tract infection and anemia (6.1). Common adverse reactions (≥ 15%) for the dispersible tablet are upper respiratory tract infections and pyrexia ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. at 1-877-993-8779 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. Safety data on bosentan were obtained from 13 clinical studies (9 placebo-controlled and 4 open-label) in 870 adult patients with PAH and other diseases. Doses up to 8 times the currently recommended clinical dose (125 mg twice daily) were administered for a variety of durations. The exposure to bosentan in these trials ranged from 1 day to 4.1 years (n=94 for 1 year; n=61 for 1.5 years; and n=39 for more than 2 years). Exposure of PAH patients (n=328) to bosentan ranged from 1 day to 1.7 years (n=174 more than 6 months and n=28 more than 12 months). Treatment discontinuations due to adverse events other than those related to pulmonary hypertension during the clinical trials in adult patients with PAH were more frequent on bosentan (6%; 15/258 patients) than on placebo (3%; 5/172 patients). In this database the only cause of discontinuations > 1% and occurring more often on bosentan was abnormal liver function. The adverse drug events that occurred in ≥ 3% of the bosentan-treated patients and were more common on bosentan in placebo-controlled trials in PAH at doses of 125 mg or 250 mg twice daily are shown in Table 3: Table 3 Adverse events * occurring in ≥ 3% of patients treated with Bosentan 125 mg to 250 mg twice daily and more common on Bosentan in placebo-controlled studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension * Note: only AEs with onset from start of treatment to 1 calendar day after end of treatment are included. All reported events (at least 3%) are included except those too general to be informative and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug because they were associated with the condition being treated or are very common in the treated population. * * Respiratory Tract Infection combines the terms "Nasopharyngitis", "Upper Respiratory Tract Infection" and "Respiratory Tract Infection". Combined data from Study 351, BREATHE-1 and EARLY Adverse Event Bosentan n = 258 Placebo n = 172 No. % No. % Respiratory Tract Infection ** 56 22% 30 17% Headache 39 15% 25 14% Edema 28 11% 16 9% Chest Pain 13 5% 8 5% Syncope 12 5% 7 4% Flushing 10 4% 5 3% Hypotension 10 4% 3 2% Sinusitis 9 4% 4 2% Arthralgia 9 4% 3 2% Serum Aminotransferases, abnormal 9 4% 3 2% Palpitations 9 4% 3 2% Anemia 8 3% - - Bosentan was evaluated for safety in 119 pediatric patients in uncontrolled studies. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adult patients with PAH. Decreased Sperm Counts An open-label, single-arm, multicenter, safety study evaluated the effect on testicular function of bosentan 62.5 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, followed by 125 mg twice daily for 5 months. Twenty-five male patients with WHO functional class III and IV PAH and normal baseline sperm count were enrolled. Twenty-three completed the study and 2 discontinued due to adverse events not related to testicular function. There was a decline in sperm count of at least 50% in 25% of the patients after 3 or 6 months of treatment with bosentan. Sperm count remained within the normal rang …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7. DRUG INTERACTIONS • Cytochrome P450: Coadministration of bosentan with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A can increase exposure to bosentan and/or the coadministered drug ( 4.2 , 4.3 , 7.1 ). • Hormonal contraceptives: Bosentan use decreases contraceptive exposure and reduces effectiveness ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions Bosentan is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A. Inhibition of these enzymes may increase the plasma concentration of bosentan [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . Concomitant administration of both a CYP2C9 inhibitor (such as fluconazole or amiodarone) and a strong CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., amprenavir, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem) with bosentan will likely lead to large increases in plasma concentrations of bosentan. Co-administration of such combinations of a CYP2C9 inhibitor plus a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor with bosentan is not recommended. Bosentan is an inducer of CYP3A and CYP2C9. Consequently plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by these two isozymes will be decreased when bosentan is co-administered. Bosentan had no relevant inhibitory effect on any CYP isozyme in vitro (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A). Consequently, bosentan is not expected to increase the plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. Figure 1. CYP3A induction-mediated effect of bosentan on other drugs Figure 2. Effect of other drugs on bosentan figure 1 figure 2 7.2 Hormonal Contraceptives Hormonal contraceptives, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and implantable forms, may not be reliable when bosentan is co-administered. Females should practice additional methods of contraception and not rely on hormonal contraception alone when taking bosentan [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] . An interaction study demonstrated that co-administration of bosentan and a combination oral hormonal contraceptive produced average decreases of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol levels of 14% and 31%, respectively. However, decreases in exposure were as much as 56% and 66%, respectively, in individual subjects.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Nursing mothers: Choose breastfeeding or bosentan ( 8.2 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on data from animal reproduction studies, bosentan may cause fetal harm, including birth defects and fetal death, when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )] . Available data from postmarketing reports and published literature over decades of use with endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) in the same class as bosentan have not identified an increased risk of major birth defects; however, these data are limited. Methodological limitations of these postmarketing reports and published literature include lack of a control group; limited information regarding dose, duration, and timing of drug exposure; and missing data. These limitations preclude establishing a reliable estimate of the risk of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes with maternal ERA use. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of bosentan to pregnant rats at 2- times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m 2 basis caused teratogenic effects in rats, including malformations of the head, mouth, face and large blood vessels [see Animal Data] . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. 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 Bosentan was teratogenic in rats given oral doses two times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis). In an embryo-fetal toxicity study in rats, bosentan showed dose-dependent teratogenic effects, including malformations of the head, mouth, face and large blood vessels. Bosentan increased stillbirths and pup mortality at oral doses 2 and 10 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis). Although birth defects were not observed in rabbits given oral doses of up to the equivalent of 10.5 g/day in a 70 kg person, plasma concentrations of bosentan in rabbits were lower than those reached in the rat. The similarity of malformations induced by bosentan and those observed in endothelin-1 knockout mice and in animals treated with other endothelin receptor antagonists indicates that embryo-fetal toxicity is a class effect of these drugs. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Data from a case report describe the presence of bosentan in human milk. There is insufficient information about the effects of bosentan on the breastfed infant and no information on the effects of bosentan on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, such as fluid retention and hepatotoxicity, in breastfed infants from bosentan, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with bosentan. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Based on data from animal reproductive toxicity studies, bosentan may cause fetal harm, including birth defects and fetal death, when administered to a pregnant patient and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Contraindications ( 4.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Pregnancy Testing Verify that females of reproductive potential are not pregnant prior to initiating bosentan. The patient should contact her physician immediately for pregnancy testing if onset of menses is delayed or pregnancy is suspected. If the pregnancy test is positive, the physician and patient must discuss the risks to her, the pregnancy and the fetus [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Contraindications ( 4.1 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Contraception Drug interaction studies show that bosentan reduces serum levels of the estrogen and progestin in oral contraceptives. Based on these findings, hormonal contraceptives (including oral, injectable, transdermal and implantable contraceptives) …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Bosentan is a specific and competitive antagonist at endothelin receptor types ET A and ET B . Bosentan has a slightly higher affinity for ET A receptors than for ET B receptors. The clinical impact of dual endothelin blockage is unknown. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a neurohormone, the effects of which are mediated by binding to ET A and ET B receptors in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. ET-1 concentrations are elevated in plasma and lung tissue of patients with PAH, suggesting a pathogenic role for ET-1 in this disease.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11. DESCRIPTION Bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist that belongs to a class of highly substituted pyrimidine derivatives, with no chiral centers. It is designated chemically as 4-tert-butyl-N-[6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2 ́]bipyrimidin-4-yl]- benzenesulfonamide monohydrate and has the following structural formula: Bosentan has a molecular weight of 569.63 and a molecular formula of C 27 H 29 N 5 O 6 S•H 2 O. Bosentan is a white to yellowish powder. It is poorly soluble in water (1.0 mg/100 mL) and in aqueous solutions at low pH (0.1 mg/100 mL at pH 1.1 and 4.0; 0.2 mg/100 mL at pH 5.0). Solubility increases at higher pH values (43 mg/100 mL at pH 7.5). In the solid state, bosentan is very stable, is not hygroscopic and is not light sensitive. Bosentan is available as a 32 mg tablet for oral suspension and contains the following excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, tutti fruitti flavor, aspartame, acesulfame potassium and magnesium stearate. Each dispersible tablet contains 1.85 mg of phenylalanine. Each dispersible tablet contains 33.045 mg of bosentan monohydrate, equivalent to 32 mg anhydrous bosentan. chemical-structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10. OVERDOSAGE Bosentan has been given as a single dose of up to 2400 mg in normal volunteers, or up to 2000 mg/day for 2 months in patients, without any major clinical consequences. The most common side effect was headache of mild to moderate intensity. In the cyclosporine A interaction study, in which doses of 500 and 1000 mg twice daily of bosentan were given concomitantly with cyclosporine A, trough plasma concentrations of bosentan increased 30-fold, resulting in severe headache, nausea, and vomiting, but no serious adverse events. Mild decreases in blood pressure and increases in heart rate were observed. In the postmarketing period, there was one reported overdose of 10,000 mg of bosentan taken by an adolescent male patient. He had symptoms of nausea, vomiting, hypotension, dizziness, sweating, and blurred vision. He recovered within 24 hours with blood pressure support. Bosentan is unlikely to be effectively removed by dialysis due to the high molecular weight and extensive plasma protein binding.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16. HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 32 mg tablets for oral suspension, off white to pale yellow colored, clover shaped, uncoated tablets debossed with "32" on one side and ‘quadrisected’ on other side. NDC 68180-340-13: Carton of 56 tablets for oral suspension in 4 blister-strips of 14 tablets. NDC 68180-340-11: Blister strip of 14 tablets for oral suspension. Store at 20 oC to 25 oC (68 oF to 77 oF); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Divided dispersible tablets should be stored under the same conditions and used within 7 days. Tablet pieces may be returned to the opened blister and stored there out of reach of children for up to 7 days. Keep out of reach of children.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BOSENTAN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68180-340-13 | 68180-340 | Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 4 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (68180-340-13) / 14 TABLET, FOR SUSPENSION in 1 BLISTER PACK | August 18, 2025 |
| 70771-1908-8 | 70771-1908 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | 4 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (70771-1908-8) / 14 TABLET, FOR SUSPENSION in 1 BLISTER PACK (70771-1908-7) | February 17, 2026 |
| 70710-1508-8 | 70710-1508 | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | 4 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (70710-1508-8) / 14 TABLET, FOR SUSPENSION in 1 BLISTER PACK (70710-1508-7) | February 17, 2026 |
| 68180-340 | 68180-340 | Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | August 18, 2025 |
| 70771-1908 | 70771-1908 | Zydus Lifesciences Limited | — | February 17, 2026 |
| 70710-1508 | 70710-1508 | Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. | — | February 17, 2026 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.