Plicamycin

Drug #1486

Plicamycin is a cytotoxic antibiotic with hypocalcaemic properties. It acts by complexing with DNA in the presence of divalent cations and inhibiting synthesis of ribonucleic acid. The hypocalcaemic activity is due to the antagonist effect on vitamin D and parathyroid hormone on osteoclasts. Plicamycin is used in the symptomatic management of hypercalcaemiaand hypercalciuria associated with malignancy. Plicamycin is also usedin the treatment of neoplasms of the testis not susceptible to surgery or radiotherapy. It was approved by FDA in 1970.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin.

Molecular Weight: 1085 · Solubility in Water: slighty · Solubility in Alcohol: very slighty · Non-proprietary name: Plicamycin · pH: 4.5.

Pharmacokinetics

None recorded.

Indications

Plicamycin is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypercalcaemia, Hypercalciuria, Malignant neoplasm of testis.

Contraindications

Plicamycin is contraindicated in conditions like Thrombocytopenia, Coagulation disorder, Pregnancy.

Dosage

Plicamycin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route
Adult Dosage
27.5 mcg/kg of body weight	27.5 mcg/kg of body weight	—	IV
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Plicamycin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Phlebitis, Thrombocytopenia , Coagulation disorder , Depressed bone marrow function.

Plicamycin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hemorrhage . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Plicamycin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Depression, Drowsiness, Facial flushing, Fever, Headache, Lethargy, Local irritation, Malaise, Skin RashX, Weakness.

Warnings / Precautions

It should noly be given with great caution in patient with impaired hepatic or renal function. Blood cell counts, bleeding time, prothrombin time, hepatic and renal function should be detremined frequently during treatment and for several days after, and treatment stoppped if there is any sudden change.

Interference in Pathology

Plicamycin may interfere in the diagnosis of Abnormal LFTs , Increased Alkaline Phosphatase Levels, Abnormal renal function test, Increased in serum creatinin, Elevation in BUN.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Plicamycin should be stored Inf (reconstituted) . Inj (reconstituted soln) (At once after preparation).

Drug Classification

1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs