L-Asparanginase Pharmacology

L-Asparanginase

About L-Asparanginase
Enzyme, Asparagine Hydrolase , Antineoplastic.
Mechanism of Action of L-Asparanginase
Asparaginase is an enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparagines to aspartic acid and ammonia. In cancer cells there is low concentrations of asparagines synthetase (which synthesize asparagines) are present. Due to this insufficiency cancer cells need an external source of asparagines, which required for tumor cells to synthesize proteins. This leads to the inhibition of DNA & RNA synthesis and finally cell death.

Pharmacokinets of L-Asparanginase
Absorption- Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration.
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body (primarily in the intravascular space). It crosses the blood brain barrier in lower concentration.
Onset of Action for L-Asparanginase
N/A
Duration of Action for L-Asparanginase
23-33 days after administration
Half Life of L-Asparanginase
N/A
Side Effects of L-Asparanginase
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Confusion
4. Drowsiness
5. Depression
6. Hallucinations
7. Intracranial hemorrhage
8. Coma
9. Agitation
10. Headache
11. Lethargy
12. Somnolence
13. Myocardial infarction
14. Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
15. Renal failure
16. Anemia
17. Hypofibrinogenemia
18. Leucopenia
19. Hyperglycemia
20. Urticaria
21. Fatal hyperthermia
22. Anaphylaxis
23. Chills
24. Fever

Contra-indications of L-Asparanginase
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Pancreatitis or history of Pancreatitis
Special Precautions while taking L-Asparanginase
1. Cautiously used in patients with hepatic dysfunction
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for L-Asparanginase
1. Lymphoma
2. Leukemia (acute)
Interactions for L-Asparanginase
Vincristine and Prednisone: Associated with increased toxicity.
Methotrexate: Effect on malignant cells diminished or abolished as long as plasma asparginase levels are suppressed.
Cytarabine: Synergistic effect.
Lab Tests: Thyroid function tests: Interferes with its interpretation.

Typical Dosage for L-Asparanginase
Intravenous-
Adult-
200units/kg daily for 28 days.
Children same as adult dose
Schedule of L-Asparanginase
G
Storage Requirements for L-Asparanginase
Store at 2 - 8 degree C. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of L-Asparanginase
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 L-Asparanginase
Give supportive and symptomatic treatment. Supportive treatment include antidiarrheals and antiemetics.

Home Delivery for L-Asparanginase in Your City

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

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

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