Melphalan

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.

Brands
MELPHA
Adult Dose
Dose: 0.085 to 0.142 mg/kg
Single Dose: 0.11 (0.1135)
Frequency: 24 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions: For 5 to 7 days
Neonatal
Paedriatic
Characteristics
Melphalan also known as Phenylalanine Mustard, Phenylalanine Mustard. . 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.The Molecular Weight of Melphalan is 305.20. Its pKa is 2.1, 9.5.
Contraindications
Melphalan is contraindicated in conditions like Neutropenia,Myelosuppression,Hypersensitivity.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Melphalan, which give rise to further complications include Hemolytic anemia, Hemolytic anemia, Myelosuppressive effect, Pulmonary fibrosis, GI symptoms, Electrolyte disturbance, Diarrhea.Melphalan produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia, Myelosuppression, Acute leukemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Melphalan therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Melphalan include Severe myelosuppression.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Melphalan are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Maculopapular rash, Pruritus, Hair loss, Failure of menstruation.
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, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Multiple myeloma.'
Interactions
Melphalan is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementCinoxacinCyclophosphamideCyclosporin ANalidixic AcidPrednisolone and PrednisoneMelphalan decrease bioavalibitly of prednisolone and prednisone 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
Periodic blood count
Risks
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, 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) Store at room temperature. Use within 60 min if kept at room temperature. Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight.
Warnings
Melphalan must not be used during pregnancy. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or any blood disorders.
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