Doxorubicin Pharmacology

Doxorubicin

About Doxorubicin
Anthracycline antibiotic,Antineoplastic Agent.
Mechanism of Action of Doxorubicin
This anthracycline antibiotic intercalates the DNA which directly affects the transcription and replication of DNA. It forms a tripartite complex with topoisomerase 2 and DNA.Topomerase2 is an enzyme which is essential for the DNA replication and repair. By these two mechanisms this drug can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Pharmacokinets of Doxorubicin
Absorption- Absorb rapidly after intravenous administration.
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body. Large amounts are seen in liver, kidney and heart.70% bound to the plasma proteins.
Metabolism- Metabolized in the liver to its metabolites. Doxorubicinol is its major metabolite.
Excretion- Excreted via bile. A small portion is excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Doxorubicin
N/A
Duration of Action for Doxorubicin
12 to 23 hrs
Half Life of Doxorubicin
Its elimination half life is about 15 to 30 min in the initial phase and 16 hrs in the terminal phase.
Side Effects of Doxorubicin
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Loss of appetite
4. Diarrhea
5. Difficulty in swallowing
6. Brittle hair
7. Skin irritation
8. Rash
9. Swelling
10. Pain
11. Redness
12. Peeling of the skin on the palms and soles of the feet.
13. Tarry stools
14. Cough
15. Chills
16. Facial swelling
17. Bruising or unusual bleeding
18. Weakness
19. Blood in urine or stools
20. Constipation
21. Anxiety
22. Burning
23. Itching eyes
24. Change in taste
25. Muscle ache
26. Swelling of eyes and eyelid
27. Trouble sleeping
28.Irreversible cardiomyopathy
29.Arrhythmia
30.Left ventricular failure
Contra-indications of Doxorubicin
1. Thrombocytopenia
2. Severe leucopenia
3. Myelosuppression
4. Previous treatment with antitumor agent or by radiotherapy
5. Cardiac disease
Special Precautions while taking Doxorubicin
1. Hyper sensitivity to other neoplastic drugs
2. Kidney diseases
3. Renal diseases
4. Recent Immunization
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
CHILDREN-Use with caution
NEONATES-Contraindicated
Indications for Doxorubicin
1. Bronchogenic lung cancer
2. Thyroid cancer
3. Breast cancer
4. Ovarian cancer
5. Gastric cancer
6. Soft tissue and osteogenic sarcomas
7. Neuroblastoma
8. Wilm`s tumor
9. Hodgkins disease
10. Non Hodgkins disease
11. Acute myeloblastic leukemia
12. Acute lymphoblast leukemia
13. Kaposi`s sarcoma related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
14. Ewing`s tumor
15. Squamous cell carcinoma
16. Carcinomas of other parts
17. Multiple myeloma
Interactions for Doxorubicin
Mercaptopurine: Hepatotoxicity of mercaptopurine enhanced leading to cholestasis.
Cyclophosphamide: Exacerbation of cyclophosphamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis.
Barbiturates: Increase the plasma clearance of doxorubicin.
Digoxin: Decreased serum levels of digoxin.
Streptozotocin: Increases toxicity of doxorubicin.
Radiation: Radiation induced toxicity to myocardium, mucosa, skin and liver increased.
Typical Dosage for Doxorubicin
Intravenous-
Adult-
60 to 75 mg/metre square single dose every 21 days
30mg/metre square daily every 3 days.
Schedule of Doxorubicin
G
Storage Requirements for Doxorubicin
Powder of drug is stored at room temperature
Effects of Missed Dosage of Doxorubicin
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose
Effects of Overdose of Doxorubicin
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Doxorubicin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including doxorubicin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for doxorubicin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for doxorubicin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take doxorubicin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for doxorubicin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for doxorubicin with the pharmacy.

Doxorubicin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for doxorubicin might be better known than doxorubicin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have doxorubicin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for doxorubicin.