Cytabin
Form: Injection
Strength: 100mg/ml
Generic Name: Cytarabine
Company: Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 900.0 (500mg vial)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Cytabin is used alone or with other chemotherapy drugs. Cytabin helps to treat leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia, in both adults and children. Cytabin is also used for treating and preventing leukemia in the brain and spinal cord. In children with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Cytabin has been part of a combination treatment program that has shown benefits.
Pharmacology
Cytabin is a cancer-fighting drug. Cytabin is a synthetic compound that gets converted inside the body to a form that stops the production of DNA, which is essential for cancer cells to grow. Cytabin specifically targets cells in certain stages of their growth cycle. Cytabin also suppresses the immune system and has some antiviral effects.
Dosage & Administration
Adults: Cytabin is given by injection, either through a vein, under the skin, or into the fluid around the spine. The exact dose depends on the treatment plan. For acute leukemia, the usual dose with other drugs is 100 mg/m² per day by continuous IV infusion for 1 to 7 days or 100 mg/m² every 12 hours for 1 to 7 days.
Children: Studies for children are limited, but Cytabin is generally used when needed.
Elderly: Older patients might need a lower dose due to possible kidney function problems, but this medicine can still be used.
Interaction
Cytabin may reduce the effectiveness of some other drugs, such as 5-fluorocytosine, digoxin, and gentamicin. Cytabin can also increase the risk of nerve damage if used with other chemotherapy drugs, especially when injected into the spine.
Contraindications
Cytabin should not be used by patients who are allergic to Cytabin.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is bone marrow suppression, which can cause low blood cell counts. This leads to symptoms like fatigue, infection risk, and bleeding. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and infections, some of which can be severe. If given into the spine, Cytabin can cause nerve damage. In rare cases, patients may develop flu-like symptoms or an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Cytabin may harm the unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Cytabin is not known if Cytabin passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Precautions & Warnings
Cytabin should be used with caution in patients who have had previous bone marrow problems or have kidney or liver issues. Cytabin is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Overdose Effects
Signs of overdose include severe bone marrow suppression, stomach problems, and vomiting. If this happens, treatment should be stopped, and supportive care like blood transfusions and infection prevention may be needed. Other treatments might include medications to prevent kidney issues and fluids to prevent dehydration.
Therapeutic Class
Cancer treatment medication.
Storage Conditions
Store the vial in its original carton between 15°C to 30°C. Protect from light and do not refrigerate. Keep out of reach of children.
Similar Brands of Cytarabine (Injection – 100mg/ml)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cytabin 1000 Inj | Injection | 100mg/ml | Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 1550.0 |
| Cytara | Injection | 100mg/ml | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 200.0 |
| Cytomia | Injection | 100mg/ml | Drug International Ltd. | 180.0 |