Cytarabine (HCl)

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.

Brands
CYTARABIN CYTARABIN CYTARINE CYTARINE CYTARINE CYTARABINE CYTOCIN CYTOSAR CYTOSAR ALEXAN ALEXAN
Adult Dose
Dose: 100 mg/sq.meter
Single Dose: 180 (183)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: IV Inf
Instructions: For 5 days. Repeated every 2 weeks total 12 doses
Neonatal
Paedriatic
Dose: 70 to 200 mg/sq.meter
Single Dose: 140 (135)
Frequency: 24 hourly
Route: Intra Venous
Instructions: Maintenance for 2-5 days per month
Characteristics
Cytarabine (HCl) 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.The Molecular Weight of Cytarabine (HCl) is 243.20. It is weakly alkaline drug, 8.92% solution of the drug is isotonic and Its pKa is 4.3.
Contraindications
Cytarabine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Cytarabine (HCl), which give rise to further complications include CNS toxicity.Cytarabine (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary toxicity, CNS disturbances, Diarrhea, Dementia, Fits, Cerebral dysfunction. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Cytarabine (HCl) therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Cytarabine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Abnormal LFT, Impaired renal function, Intense vomiting.
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.'
Interactions
Cytarabine (HCl) is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementCrisantaspaseDaunorubicin (HCl)DigoxinFlucytosineFlucytosineGentamicinHydroxyurea These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Risks
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Inj (reconstituted soln) use at once after preparation.
Warnings
Cytarabine should be used with caution and in low doses in patients with impaired liver, kidneys or with pre-existing drug induced bone marrow suppression. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.
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