Dactinomycin - @ Antineoplastics
Drug Name:
Dactinomycin - @ Antineoplastics
List Of Brands:
Indication Type Description:
Pharmacology/ Pharmacokinetics
Drug Interaction:
Not reported
Indication:
Wilms tumor Ewings sarcoma Sarcoma botyroides Carcinoma of testis, uterus Rhabodomysarcoma
Adverse Reaction:
Vesicant , skin eruptions. Malaise, Myalgia Hepatotoxicity Neutropenia
Contra-Indications:
Chicken pox Herpes zoster Special Precautions- Radiotherapy Veno-occlusive disease Solution handling Monitor renal, hepatic , bone marrow functions Pregnancy Lactation
Dosages/ Overdosage Etc:
Indication-
Wilms tumor Ewings sarcoma Sarcoma botyroides Carcinoma of testis, uterus Rhabodomysarcoma
Dosage-
Adults- 600mcg daily i.v. for max 5 days maximum - 15mcg/kg for 5 days Children- 15mcg/kg for 5 days ot total dose - 2.5mcg/kg i,v. for over 1 week
Patient Information:
1. Allergies- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to dactinomycin or other related medicines. Also tell your doctor if youn are allergic to any other substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
2. Pregnancy- there is a chance that this medicine may cause birth defects if either the male or or female is receiving it at the time of conception or if taken during pregnancy. Although sterility has not been reported with this medicine this possibility should be kept in mind.
3. Breast feeding- not recommended.
4. Children- because of increased toxicity use of dactinomycin in infants less than 6 to 12 months old is not recommended
5. Elderly- no specific information about the use of decarbazine in elderly
6. Other medicines- tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following- Amphotericin B by injection or Antithyroid agents or Azathioprine or Chloramphenicol or Flucytosine or Ganciclovir or Interferon or Plicamycin or Zidovudine - if you have been treated with radiation or cancer medicines - dactinomycin may increase the effects of these medicines or radiation therapy on the blood Probenecid or Sulfinpyrazone - dactinomycin may increase concentrations of uric ascid in the blood. Since these medicines are used to lower uric acidlevels, they may not be as efective in patients receiving dactinomycin
7. Other medical problems- tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems- Chickenpox or Herpes zoster -risk of severe disease afecting other parts of the body Gout or Kidney stones- dactinomycin may increase levels of uric acid in the body which can cause gout or kidney stones Infection -dactinomycin can decrease your bodys ability to fight infection Liver disease- effects of dactinomycin may be increased
8. Missed dose- If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as possible. However if it is almost time for your next dose go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Pharmacology/ Pharmacokinetics:
Pregnancy and lactation:
Pregnancy:
Use caution and advise women of child bearing potential to avoid pregnancy
Lactation:
Advise mothers to discontinue nursing prior to taking this drug.