Mechlorethamine

Also known as: Dichloramine, Chlorethazine, Chlormethine HCL, Nitrogen musture

Drug #1979

Mechlorethamine also known as mustine, nitrogen mustard, and HN2, is the prototype anticancer chemotherapeutic drug. Successful clinical use of mechlorethamine gave birth to the field of anticancer chemotherapy. The drug is an analogue of mustard gas and was derived from toxic gas warfare research. It belongs to the group of nitrogen mustard alkylating agents. Alkylating agents work by three different mechanisms all of which achieve the same end result - disruption of DNA function and cell death.

← Previous drug Next drug →

Primary Characteristics

Mechlorethamine is also known as Dichloramine, Chlorethazine, Chlormethine HCL, Nitrogen musture.

It belongs to Nitrogen Mustured alkylating agents.

It belongs to Alkylating Agents pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.

Molecular Weight: 156.05 · pK_a: 6.1 · Non-proprietary name: Mechlorethamine.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: plasma half-life is 15 mins, renal excretion is Urine (unchanged).

Indications

Mechlorethamine is primarily indicated in conditions like Hodgkin's disease.

Mechlorethamine is also indicated for secondary conditions like Bronchogenic carcinoma, Lymphosarcoma, Metastatic carcinoma, Polycythemia vera.

Contraindications

Mechlorethamine is contraindicated in conditions like Anaphylactic reactions.

Dosage

Mechlorethamine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
400 ug/kg	400 ug/kg	—	IV	per day.In 2 or 4 equal doses.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Mechlorethamine are Anemia, Jaundice , Leucopenia , Hypersensitivity reactions, Thrombocytopenia , Jaundice, Granulocytopenia, Bone marrow depression.

Mechlorethamine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Alopecia, Anorexia , Depression, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Nausea and vomiting, Tinnitus, Vertigo.

Warnings / Precautions

Careful clinical judgment must be exercised in selecting patients. If the indication for its use is not clear, the drug should not be used. This drug is HIGHLY TOXIC and both powder and solution must be handled and administered with care. Appropriate protective equipment should be worn when handling MUSTARGEN. Should accidental eye contact occur, copious irrigation for at least 15 minutes with water, normal saline or a balanced salt ophthalmic irrigating solution should be instituted immediately, followed by prompt ophthalmologic consultation.Great care must be taken to avoid contact with eyes. Should accidental skin contact occur, the affected part must be irrigated immediately with copious amounts of water, for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes, followed by 2% sodium thiosulfate solution. Medical attention should be sought immediately. Contaminated clothing should be destroyed.

Interference in Pathology

Mechlorethamine may interfere in the diagnosis of Liver Function Test (LFT) .

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Mechlorethamine should be stored Parentrals.

Drug Classification

1.8.5 — Drugs used in Palliative care