Overview
DESCRIPTION Daunorubicin hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of an anthracycline cytotoxic antibiotic produced by a strain of Streptomyces coeruleorubidus . It is provided as a deep red sterile liquid in vials for intravenous administration only. Each mL contains 5 mg daunorubicin (equivalent to 5.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Daunorubicin has antimitotic and cytotoxic activity through a number of proposed mechanisms of action. Daunorubicin forms complexes with DNA by intercalation between base pairs. It inhibits topoisomerase II activity by stabilizing the DNA-topoisomerase II complex, preventing the religation portion of the ligation-religation reaction that topoisomerase II catalyzes. Single strand and double strand DNA breaks result. Daunorubicin hydrochloride may also inhibit polymerase activity, affect regulation of gene expression, and produce free radical damage to DNA. Daunorubicin hydrochloride possesses an antitumor effect against a wide spectrum of animal tumors, either grafted or spontaneous.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Daunorubicin hydrochloride in combination with other approved anticancer drugs is indicated for remission induction in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) of adults and for remission induction in acute lymphocytic leukemia of children and adults.
Common Doses
- 3 mg
- 45 mg
- 100 mg
- 30 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Principles In order to eradicate the leukemic cells and induce a complete remission, a profound suppression of the bone marrow is usually required. Evaluation of both the peripheral blood and bone marrow is mandatory in the formulation of appropriate treatment plans. It is recommended that the dosage of daunorubicin hydrochloride be reduced in instances of hepatic or renal impairment.
Black Box Warning
WARNINGS 1.Daunorubicin Hydrochloride Injection must be given into a rapidly flowing intravenous infusion. It must never be given by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route. Severe local tissue necrosis will occur if there is extravasation during administration. 2.Myocardial toxicity manifested in its most severe form by potentially fatal congestive heart failure may occur either during therapy or months to years after termination of therapy.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Daunorubicin hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients who have shown a hypersensitivity to it.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Dose-limiting toxicity includes myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity (see WARNINGS section). Other reactions include: Cutaneous Reversible alopecia occurs in most patients. Rash, contact dermatitis and urticaria have occurred rarely. Gastrointestinal Acute nausea and vomiting occur but are usually mild. Antiemetic therapy may be of some help. Mucositis may occur 3 to 7 days after administration. Diarrhea and abdominal pain have occasionally been reported.
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Use of daunorubicin in a patient who has previously received doxorubicin increases the risk of cardiotoxicity. Daunorubicin hydrochloride should not be used in patients who have previously received the recommended maximum cumulative doses of doxorubicin or daunorubicin hydrochloride. Cyclophosphamide used concurrently with daunorubicin hydrochloride may also result in increased cardiotoxicity. Dosage reduction of daunorubicin hydrochloride may be required when used concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents.