Daunorubicin Pharmacology

Daunorubicin

About Daunorubicin
Anthracycline family, Anti-neoplastic antibiotic.
Mechanism of Action of Daunorubicin
This anthracycline antibiotic damage DNA by intercalating between base pairs results in uncoiling of the helix, ultimately inhibiting DNA synthesis and DNA dependant RNA synthesis. It also inhibits polymerase activity, affecting regulation of gene expression and generating free radicals. Its cytotoxic activity is cell cyclic, non-specific. But it shows some activity at S phase.
Pharmacokinets of Daunorubicin
Absorption - Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration
Distribution - Widely distributed in the body. It cross the blood brain barrier.50 to 60% bound to the plasma proteins.
Metabolism -Metabolized in the liver to its active metabolite and inactive metabolites. Daunorubicinol is its active metabolite.
Excretion -Excreted via urine and feces.
Onset of Action for Daunorubicin
N/A
Duration of Action for Daunorubicin
N/A
Half Life of Daunorubicin
Its elimination half life is about 4 ? hrs
Side Effects of Daunorubicin
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Lowered resistance to infection
4. Bruising or unusual bleeding
5. Anemia
6. Weakness
7. Sore in mouth
8. Taste changes
9. Diarrhea
10. Loss of appetite
11. Visual changes
12. Black, tarry stools
13. Blood in urine or in stool
14. Cough or hoarseness
15. Fever
16. Chills
17. Lower back or side pain
18. Painful or difficult urination
19. Pinpoint red
20. Slurred speech
21. Swelling on leg or lower leg
22. Shortness of breath
23. Pulmonary fibrosis
24. Spot on skin
25. Alopecia
26. Seizures
27. Insomnia
28. Cardiomyopathy
29. Cardiac arrest
30. Pulmonary hypertension
31. Neutropenia
32. Injection site inflammation
33. Influenza like syndrome
34. Depression
Contra-indications of Daunorubicin
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Cardiac diseases
3. Bone marrow suppression
4. Recent radiotherapy and chemotherapy
5. Recent immunizations
Special Precautions while taking Daunorubicin
1. Hepatic impairment
2. Renal diseases
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Daunorubicin
1. Acute lymphocytic leukemia
2. Acute granulocytic lymphoma
3. Acute myeloblastic leukemia
4. Rhabdomyosarcoma
5. Disseminated neuroblastoma
6. Kaposi`s sarcoma
7. Chronic myeloblastic leukemia
8. Non-Hodgkins disease
9. Hodgkins disease
10. Lymphosarcoma
11. Rhabdosarcoma
12. Wilm`s tumor

Interactions for Daunorubicin
Immunisation with live vaccines not recommended as daunorubicin is immunosupressant.
Radiation: Enhanced radiation induced toxicity of myocardium, mucosa, skin & liver.
Heparin in solution, aluminium and dexamethasone: Incompatible with these drugs.
Typical Dosage for Daunorubicin
Intravenous-
Adults-
40mg/m2 over 60 minutes once every 2 weeks
30 to 60 mg/m2 once daily for 3 -6 consecutive days, starting on day 1.It is repeated every 3 to 4weeks.
Children-
25-45mg/m2/day for 3 to 4 weeks
Schedule of Daunorubicin
G
Storage Requirements for Daunorubicin
Stored at temperature between 2 to 8 degree Celsius. Protect from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Daunorubicin
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 Daunorubicin
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Daunorubicin in Your City

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

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 daunorubicin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for daunorubicin 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 daunorubicin 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 daunorubicin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for daunorubicin with the pharmacy.

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