Pentostatin
Also known as: deoxycoformycin, covidarabine, co-vidarabine, 2-deoxycoformycin
Pentostatin is purine metabolite used as chemotherapeutic agent in cancer therapy particularly in hairy-cell leukemia.It is a potent inhibitor of adenosine deaminase and has immunosuppressive activity.it is isolated from fermentation cultures of streptomyces antibioticus.
Primary Characteristics
Pentostatin is also known as deoxycoformycin, covidarabine, co-vidarabine, 2-deoxycoformycin.
It is of Natural origin and belongs to purine analog.
It belongs to Antimetabolites (DNA acting) pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antineoplastic Agent pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 268.27 · Non-proprietary name: Pentostatin.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Pentostatin has a volume of distribution is 10-12.5%. plasma protein binding is 4%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via hepatic(minor), plasma half-life is 5-7 hours, renal excretion is 90%.
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Indications
Pentostatin is primarily indicated in conditions like Hairy cell leukaemia.
Pentostatin is also indicated for secondary conditions like Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma.
Contraindications
Pentostatin is contraindicated in conditions like Pregnancy.
Dosage
Pentostatin's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 4 mg/m2 | 4 mg/m2 | — | IV | Antiemetic should be given for 48-74 hours after pentostatin administration. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Pentostatin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Anemia , Anemia , Hepatotoxicity , Neutropenia , Immune suppression , Anemia.
Pentostatin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Myelosuppression . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Pentostatin are Renal insufficiency, Liver dysfunction, CNS effects.
Pentostatin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Chills, Fever, GI disturbance, Headache.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Pentostatin may interfere in the diagnosis of SGPT level disturbance. , Aspartate Aminotransferase Assay .
Available Brands
None recorded.
Drug Classification
- 1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs