৳ 1,000/unit
Pack: ৳ 1,000
৳ 1,000/unit
Pack: ৳ 1,000
At a glance
Dacarbazine is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma and Hodgkin's disease as second-line therapy.
Indications
- Metastatic malignant melanoma
- Hodgkin's disease (second-line therapy)
- Soft tissue sarcoma
Pharmacology
Dacarbazine is a non-cell cycle specific antineoplastic agent. The exact mechanism of action by which it exerts cytotoxic effects is still unclear. However, three possible mechanisms have been postulated, including inhibition of DNA synthesis by acting as a purine analog, action as an alkylating agent, and interaction with sulfydryl group in the inhibition of bacterial cell growth.
Dosage
Adult - Malignant Melanoma: 2-4.5 mg/kg/day IV for 10 days, repeat at 4-week intervals; OR 250 mg/m²/day IV for 5 days, repeat at 3-week intervals; OR 850 mg/m² IV infusion, repeat at 3-week intervals.
Adult - Hodgkin's Disease: 150 mg/m²/day IV for 5 days, repeat every 4 weeks; OR 375 mg/m² IV on Day 1, repeat every 15 days (in combination with other agents).
Adult - Soft Tissue Sarcoma: 250 mg/m²/day IV for 5 days, repeated every 3 weeks (usually given with doxorubicin).
Child - Hodgkin's Disease: 150 mg/m² IV daily for 5 days, repeat every 4 weeks; OR 375 mg/m² IV on Day 1, repeat every 15 days (as part of ABVD regimen).
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting (>90% of patients)
- Injection site pain
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea (rare)
Serious Side Effects:
- Bone marrow suppression
- Tissue damage (extravasation)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Dacarbazine may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown fetal abnormalities. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- May affect your ability to drive due to CNS side effects.
- Extravasation during intravenous administration may result in tissue damage and severe pain.
- Adequate laboratory study capability must be available during treatment.
- Avoid during pregnancy and lactation.
- Effective contraception by both males and females is important.
Overdose effects
Overdose may lead to severe bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal toxicity and vomiting. Give supportive treatment and monitor blood cell counts.
Storage conditions
Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. After reconstitution, may be stored at 4°C for up to 72 hours or at room temperature for up to 8 hours.