DrugInfoSys

Etoposide

Drug #295

Etoposide is anticancerous drug. Etoposide is a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin and extracted from the root of the mayapple. Etoposide is effective in the treatment of different cancers such as carcinoma of lungs, bladder, acute myelocytic leukemia, and lymphoma to slow or stop the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. Etoposide is used in combination with other anticancerous drugs for the treatment of different tumors and cancers to obtain most excellent therapeutic effects and to reduce toxicity or side effects.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Glucoside.

It belongs to DNA Topoisomerase II Activator pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antineoplastic Agent, Plant Derivative pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 588.6 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 10000 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 200 · Non-proprietary name: Etoposide.

Molecular structure of Etoposide

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Etoposide has an oral bioavailability is 50% (±25%).

Distribution: Etoposide has a volume of distribution is 7-17 l/sq.meter. plasma protein binding is 94%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 4-8 hr, renal excretion is 35-50% (IV).

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Indications

Etoposide is primarily indicated in conditions like NSAID-associated ulceration, Resistant non-seminomatous testicular cancer, Small cell carcinoma, Small cell lung cancer.

Etoposide is also indicated for secondary conditions like Acute leukemia, AIDS-related kaposi sarcoma, Gastric cancer, Gestational tophoblastic tumors, Gestational trophoblastic tumors, Hodgkin's disease, Neuroblastoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-small cell lung carcinoma, Ovarian cancer, Testicular seminoma.

Contraindications

Etoposide is contraindicated in conditions like Hepatic disease.

Dosage

Etoposide's dosage details are as follows:

DoseSingle DoseFrequencyRouteInstructions
Adult Dosage
85 mg/sq.meter85 mg/sq.meterEvery 24hSlow IVOver 30-60 Minutes for 5 Days
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0——Doses not established for this age group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0——Doses not established for this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown1 interaction
1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Etoposide in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Nausea , Vomiting , Alopecia , Anaphylactoid reactions , Hypotension .

Etoposide produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Thrombocytopenia , Myelosuppression , Leucopenia . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Etoposide is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Anorexia , Diarrhea.

Warnings / Precautions

Etoposide must not be used by women who are or may become pregnant or while nursing. Etoposide should be used cautiously in patients who have had previous myelosuppressive therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients with active infection should be treated prior to receiving etoposide, the dose should be reduced or discontinued in patients who develop such infections. Etoposide should be used with caution in patients with dental disease. Dental work should be performed prior to initiating etoposide therapy, or deferred until blood counts return to normal. It should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Caps
50 mg
Inj
20 mg/ml

Storage Conditions

Etoposide should be stored Caps, Inj.

Drug Classification

  1. 1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs

Manufacturers