Leucovorin Pharmacology

Leucovorin

About Leucovorin
Water-soluble vitamin, Folate , Vitamin, antidote to folic acid antagonist, antianemic, antineoplastic adjunct.
Mechanism of Action of Leucovorin
Leucovorin (Folinc acid, Citrovorum factor, 5-formyl tetrahydrofolate, N-5 formyl FH4) is a derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA). It provides carbon groups for the biosynthesis of purine and pyramidine of nucleic acids and aminoacid conversion.
Folate antagonist used in cancer chemotherapy, inhibit Dihydrofolate reductase enzyme and inhibit the conversion of Dihydrofollic acid(DHFA) to Tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA).Leucovorin act as an antidote for folate antagonist.
Pharmacokinets of Leucovorin
Absorption: Leucovorin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.Distribution: It is distributed in the body and it is mainly concentrated in the liver.Metabolism: It is metabolised in the liver to 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate and 5, 10-methenyl tetrahydrofolate. Excretion: Drug and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine.
Onset of Action for Leucovorin
oral: 20 - 30 minutes, IV: 5 minutes, IM: 10 - 20 minutes
Duration of Action for Leucovorin
3-6 hours
Half Life of Leucovorin
6.2 hours
Side Effects of Leucovorin
1.Pyrexia
2.Anaphylactoid reactions
3.Urticaria
Contra-indications of Leucovorin
1.Pernicious anaemia and other Megaloblastic anaemias secondary to the lack of vitamin B12
Special Precautions while taking Leucovorin
1.Concomitant use of folic acid antagonist
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
NEONATES
Indications for Leucovorin
1.Leucovorin rescue after Methotrexate chemotherapy
2 poisoning with. Folic acid antagonist
3.Adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer
Interactions for Leucovorin
Methotrexate: Methotrexate toxicity reduced.
Fluorouracil: Cytotoxic effects of fluorouracil enhanced.
Folic acid antagonists: Should not be co-administered with a folic acid antagonist.
Typical Dosage for Leucovorin
Parenteral
Overdose of folic acid antagonist: Dose is equivalent to the dose of folate antagonistand is given as IM or IV
Leucovorin rescue after Methotrexate chemotherapy: Treatment should be given 24 hours after Methotrexate chemotherapy.
Leucovorin rescue is 10mg/metre square as IV infusion every 6 hours for 10 doses and it can be continued until serum Methotrexate level is less than 5 ?10 to the power of(-8)
Colorectal cancer:
Leucovorin is administered as 200 mg/metre square by slow intravenous injection over a minimum of 3 minutes, followed by 5-fluorouracil at 370 mg/metre square by intravenous injection.
2. Leucovorin is administered at 20 mg/metre square by slow intravenous injection over a minimum of 3 minutes, followed by 5-fluorouracil at 425 mg/metre square by intravenous injection.
Folate deficient Megaloblastic anaemias: up to 1 mg/day as IM
Megaloblastic anaemia from congenital enzyme deficiency: 3-6 mg IM /day

Schedule of Leucovorin
N/A
Storage Requirements for Leucovorin
Store at 2-8 degree C and do not freeze. Protect from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Leucovorin
N/A
Effects of Overdose of Leucovorin
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment.
Excessive amount of Leucovorin antagonizes the chemotherapeutic effect of folate antagonist

Home Delivery for Leucovorin in Your City

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

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