Cytarabine (HCl)
Also known as: Ara-C
Cytarabine is an antineoplastic agent, also called as anticancerous drug. Cytarabine (HCl) is analog of cytidine in which the ribose moiety has been replaced with an arabinose. It belongs to class of antimetabolite. Antimetabolites are the compounds that bear a structural similarity to a naturally occuring substance, such as vitamin, nucleoside or amino acid. Cytarabine (HCl) is effective in the treatment of different cancers such as acute granulocytic, myelomonocytic, or monocytic leukemias to slow or stop the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. Cytarabine (HCl) is used in combination with different anticancerous drugs to obtain excellent therapeutic effects and minimize unwanted effects or toxicities.
Primary Characteristics
Cytarabine (HCl) is also known as Ara-C.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Arabinosylpyrimidine.
It belongs to Antimetabolites (DNA acting) pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antineoplastic Agnet, Antimetabolite pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 243.2 · pKa: 4.3 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 10 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 1000 · Non-proprietary name: Cytarabine (HCl) · pH: 8 · Isotonic value: 8.92.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Cytarabine (HCl) has a volume of distribution is 3(1.1-4.9)l/kg. plasma protein binding is 13%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 1-3 hr, renal excretion is 80%.
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Indications
Cytarabine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute granulocytic leukemia, Acute leukemia, Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Glioma, Lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, Mesothelioma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Ovarian cancer.
Contraindications
Cytarabine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Dosage
Cytarabine (HCl)'s dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 100 mg/sq.meter | 100 mg/sq.meter | — | IV Inf | For 5 days. Repeated every 2 weeks total 12 doses |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 135 mg/sq.meter | 135 mg/sq.meter | Every 24h | Intra Venous | Maintenance for 2-5 days per month |
| 200 mg/sq.meter | 200 mg/sq.meter | Every 24h | Intra Venous | Initially for 5 days for induction per 2 weeks |
| 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
Cytarabine (HCl) in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include CNS toxicity.
Cytarabine (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary toxicity, Diarrhea, CNS disturbances, Fits , Dementia , Cerebral dysfunction. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
Cytarabine (HCl) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abnormal LFT, Impaired renal function, Intense vomiting, Nausea.
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Cytarabine (HCl) in Pakistan: