Irinotecan Pharmacology

Irinotecan

About Irinotecan
A topoisomerase 1 inhibitor,Natural Source (Plant) Derivative ,semisynthetic camptothecin analogue , Antineoplastic.
Mechanism of Action of Irinotecan
Binding of Irinotecan and its active metabolite bind to the topoisomerase 1 (which catalyze recombination, repair of DNA and also reversible single strand breaks in DNA during DNA replication) and form a topoisomerase1-DNA complex and this prevents relegation of these single strand breaks, finally cell death.
Pharmacokinets of Irinotecan
Absorption- Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration
Distribution-Drug and its metabolites are widely distributed in the body.30-68% bound to the plasma proteins.
Metabolism- It is metabolized in the liver to its active metabolite SN-38 by glucoronidation
Excretion- Excreted via urine and bile
Onset of Action for Irinotecan
N/A
Duration of Action for Irinotecan
N/A
Half Life of Irinotecan
Plasma half life of drug is 6-10 hrs
Side Effects of Irinotecan
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 spot on skin
20. Slurred speech
21. Swelling on leg or lower leg
22. Shortness of breath
23. Bloody vomiting
24. Thinned or brittle hair
25. Mouth blistering
26. Thrombocytopenia
27. Leucopenia
28. Hemorrhage
29. Body pain
30. Asthenia
31. Insomnia
32. Dizziness
Contra-indications of Irinotecan
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the irinotecan
Special Precautions while taking Irinotecan
1. Severe Myelosuppression
2. Recent irradiation
3. Infection
4. Lung disease
5. Liver disease
6. Herpes zoster
7. Chicken pox
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Irinotecan
Metastatic carcinoma of colon and rectum (which are recurred or progressed following 5- fluorouracil based therapy)
Interactions for Irinotecan
Other antineoplastic agents: Side effects like diarrhoea and myelosuppression may be exacerbated.
Dexamethasone: Lymphocytopenia has been observed when coadministered.
Diuretics: Because of possibility of causing dehydration with diarrhoea, caution should be observed in the use of irinotecan with diuretics.
Typical Dosage for Irinotecan
Intravenous-
Adult-
Weekly dose schedule-125mg/metre square as starting dose and 150mg/metre square as maintenance dose
Three weeks dose schedule- 350mg/metre square as starting dose and 200mg/metre square as maintenance dose
Schedule of Irinotecan
N/A
Storage Requirements for Irinotecan
Stored at controlled room temperature 15-30 degree C. Protect from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Irinotecan
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 Irinotecan
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Irinotecan in Your City

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

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

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