Melphalan

Also known as: Phenylalanine Mustard, L- Sarcolysine

Drug #448

Melphalan is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that is the L-phenylanine derivative of mechlorethamine. All alkylating agent have or can form an alkyl group that becomes covalently bound to cellular constituents. Melphalan is used parentrally in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop abnormally growing cells. Melphalan is used in combination of different anticancer drugs to obtain best therapeutic effects and to reduce side effects or toxicities.

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Primary Characteristics

Melphalan is also known as Phenylalanine Mustard, L- Sarcolysine.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Amino phenylalanine.

It belongs to Alkylating Agents pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antineoplastic Agent, Alkylating Agent pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 305.2 · pK_a: 2.1, 9.5 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 50 · Non-proprietary name: Melphalan.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Melphalan has an oral bioavailability is 71% (±23%).

Distribution: Melphalan has a volume of distribution is 0.62 ± 0.21 l/kg. plasma protein binding is >80%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 90 min (oral 83min,IV 92 min), renal excretion is 30%.

Indications

Melphalan is primarily indicated in conditions like Advanced breast cancer, Breast cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, Malignant melanoma, Myelomatosis, Neuroblastoma, Ovarian cancer, Polycythemia rubravera, Soft tissue sarcoma.

Melphalan is also indicated for secondary conditions like Multiple myeloma.

Contraindications

Melphalan is contraindicated in conditions like Neutropenia, Myelosuppression, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Melphalan's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
6 mg	6 mg	—	PO	For 2-3 weeks
150 ug/kg	150 ug/kg	—	PO	For 4-7 days
250 ug/kg	250 ug/kg	—	PO	For 4 days
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown4 interactions

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

Melphalan in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hemolytic anemia , Pulmonary fibrosis , Electrolyte disturbance, Diarrhea, Myelosuppressive effect , GI symptoms, Hemolytic anemia .

Melphalan produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anemia, Thrombocytopenia , Neutropenia , Myelosuppression , Acute leukemia. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Melphalan are Severe myelosuppression.

Melphalan is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Failure of menstruation, Hair loss, Maculopapular rash, Nausea, Pruritus , Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Melphalan must not be used during pregnancy. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or any blood disorders.

Interference in Pathology

Melphalan may interfere in the diagnosis of Periodic blood count.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Tabs

2 mg

Storage Conditions

Melphalan should be stored Inj (reconstituted soln) . Tab.

Drug Classification

1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Melphalan in Pakistan:

Pharmedic