Bleomycin Pharmacology

Bleomycin

About Bleomycin
A glycopeptide antibiotic Derivative Antineoplastic
Mechanism of Action of Bleomycin
It causes the fragmentation of DNA, RNA and inhibits the protein synthesis. It also inhibits the incorporation of thymine into DNA strands. Its DNA cleavage depends on oxygen and metal ions. Drug chelate the metal ion producing pseudo enzymes that react with oxygen to produce super oxide and hydroxide free radicals that cleave DNA.In addition, these complexes also mediate lipid peroxidation and oxidation of other cellular molecules

Pharmacokinets of Bleomycin
Absorption -It is slow after subcutaneous administration. Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration
Distribution-Widely distributed in the body. <10% bound to the plasma proteins
Metabolism -Metabolized in to its metabolites in the liver, kidney, lungs and skin.
Excretion-Excreted through urine, feces and lungs

Onset of Action for Bleomycin
Its duration of action is 2 to 4 hrs
Duration of Action for Bleomycin
N/A
Half Life of Bleomycin
Its plasma half life is about 2hrs.
Side Effects of Bleomycin
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Painful or difficult urination
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. Lymphoma
19. Pinpoint red spot on skin
20. Slurred speech
21. Swelling on leg or lower leg
22. Shortness of breath
23. Pulmonary fibrosis
24. Hepatotoxicity
25. Alopecia
26. Pneumonites
27. Hypotension
28. Wheezing
29. Raynaud`s phenomenon
Contra-indications of Bleomycin
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Pulmonary diseases
Special Precautions while taking Bleomycin
1. Hypersensitivity to drug
2. Anesthesia
3. Lowered resistance to infection
4. Monitor patient pulmonary function closely
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated.
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Bleomycin
1. Hodgkins disease
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Testicular cancer
4. Pleurodesis
5. Bone cancer
6. Kaposi`s sarcoma
7. Malignant melanoma
8. Mycosis fungoides
9. Skin cancer
10. Thyroid cancer
11. Verruca vulgaris
12. Bladder cancer
13. Lung cancer
14. Lymphoma
15. Non-Hodgkins disease
16. Cervix cancer
17. Choriocarcinoma
18 Brain tumor
19. Glioma
Interactions for Bleomycin
Digoxin: Decreased serum levels of digoxin.
Phenytoin: Decrease serum levels of phenytoin.
Radiotherapy: Enhanced toxicity.
O2 Therapy: Enhanced pulmonary toxicity.
Cisplatin: Toxicity increased by bleomycin.
Vincristine: Debilitation syndrome.
Typical Dosage for Bleomycin
Adults-
0.25 to0.5unit/kg or 10 to 20units/metre square vials given once or twice a week through subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous administration.1 unit/day or 5 unit/week is given as maintenance dose.
Schedule of Bleomycin
G
Storage Requirements for Bleomycin
Stored at temperature between 2 -8 degree Celsius. Protect from light
Effects of Missed Dosage of Bleomycin
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 Bleomycin
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Bleomycin in Your City

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

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

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