Cytosar Injection

Cytarabine
100mg
Pfizer Ltd.
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Indications

Cytosar Injection is used for: Acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), lymphomas, Leukaemic meningitis

Adult Dose

Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia IV administration for remission induction 100-200 mg/sq.meter/day for 5-10 days; begin second course in 2-4 weeks after initial therapy if necessary OR 100 mg/sq.meter for 7 days OR 100 mg/sq.meter/dose q12hr for 7 days Intrathecal (IT) administration for remission induction 5-75 mg/sq.meter q2-7Days until CNS findings normalize IV administration for remission maintenance 70-200 mg/sq.meter/day for 2-5 days at monthly intervals IM administration for remission maintenance 1-1.5 mg/kg single dose for maintenance at 1- 4 week intervals Meningeal Leukemia IT administration 30 mg/sq.meter intrathecal (IT) q4Days until CSF findings normal plus one additional dose Refractory Leukemia IV administration 3 g/sq.meter IV (infusion over 1-3 hours) q12hr x 4-12 doses Repeat q2-3Weeks

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

IV Administration Rapid IV, infusion over 1-3 hr, or SC intrathecal Has been administered by IM & continuous SC infusion IT: Patient should lie flat for 1 hour after lumbar puncture Liposomal: To reduce incidence of arachnoiditis, administer dexamethasone concurrently IV Preparation Reconstitute vials in BWI containing benzyl alcohol 0.945% as follows (CAUTION: Do not use benzyl alcohol for intrathecal inj) 100 mg vial: add 5 mL diluent to 20 mg/mL 500 mg vial: add 10 mL diluent to 50 mg/mL 1 g vial: add 10 mL diluent to 100 mg/mL 2 g vial: add 20 mL diluent to 100 mg/mL

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity; pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions

Hepatic and renal dysfunction, severe infections, preexisting drug-induced bone marrow suppression. Monitor WBC, platelet counts and blood uric acid frequently. Assess renal and hepatic function periodically. Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk, avoid

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

May reduce efficacy of gentamicin, digoxin and flucytosine. Potentially Fatal: Potentiates bone marrow depression with radiotherapy and other myelotoxic drugs.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Cytarabine : 1-10% Anorexia,Nausea,Vomiting,Diarrhea,Oral/anal inflammation,Thrombophlebitis,Bleeding,Myelosuppression,Rash,Fever,Hepatic dysfunction Frequency Not Defined Headache,Neuropathy,Chest pain,Pericarditis,Pneumonia,Anemia,Bleeding,Leukopenia,Thrombocytopenia,Kidney disease,Infectious disease,Sepsis,"Cytarabine syndrome": fever, myalgia, bone pain, rash, conjunctivitis, malaise,Skin ulcers,Cellulitis,Urinary retention,Neuritis,Jaundice,Anaphylaxis Potentially Fatal: Convulsions. Cerebellar dysfunction, respiratory distress syndrome, GI perforation, bone marrow suppression.

Mechanism of Action

Cytarabine acts by interfering with DNA synthesis specifically at the S-phase of the cell cycle. It is a potent myelosuppressant and requires careful haematological monitoring during its use. It also has antiviral property.

Note

Cytosar 100mg Injection manufactured by Pfizer Ltd.. Its generic name is Cytarabine. Cytosar is availble in Nepal. Farmaco Nepal drug index information on Cytosar Injection is not intended for diagnosis, medical advice or treatment; neither intended to be a substitute for the exercise of professional judgment.

Some other brands of Cytarabine :