Capecitabine
Cytostatic · 5-FU precursor
Indications
Monotherapy of metastatic colorectal cancer. In combination with docetaxel for treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Monotherapy of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of taxanes and an anthracycline containing regimen or where anthracycline is no longer indicated.
Dosage
Adults: 1250 mg/m² morning and evening within 30 min after a meal for 14 days, then 7 tablet-free days. Adjust dose according to level of toxicity. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Dizziness, fatigue, GI upset, hand-foot syndrome, alopecia, skin or nail reactions, pyrexia, weakness limb pain, headache, neurological disorders, oedema, blood dyscrasias, altered blood chemistry, weight loss, dehydration, dyspnoea, lacrimation, appetite loss, epistaxis, pain, anorexia, depression, haemorrhage, dry mouth, stomatitis, RTI, herpes infection, pyrexia, asthenia, hyperbilirubinaemia, conjunctivitis, eye irritation, epistaxis, insomnia, dysgeusia, thrombophlebitis. Reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe renal or hepatic impairment. Hypersensitivity to fluoropyrimidine or fluorouracil. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency. Severe leucopenia, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Precautions: Mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Moderate renal impairment; reduce initial dose. History of cardiac disease, hypocalcaemia, hypercalcaemia, other electrolyte disturbances, nervous system disease, diabetes, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, stomatitis, hand-foot syndrome. Elderly. Monitor for eye disorders.
Interactions
Coumarin anticoagulants, phenytoin, folinic acid, antacids, allopurinol, interferon alfa-2a, sorivudine, brivudine, CYP2C9 substrates, folic or folinic acid, pyridoxine, radiotherapy.
Advice to Patient
Take with meals or within 30 minutes after meals. Do not chew, crush or dissolve tablets. Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours of taking this medication. Contact prescriber if there is abdominal pain, constant diarrhoea, skin rash, tenderness, pain, peeling of skin especially hands and feet, fever, chills, confusion, constant and severe vomiting, difficulty in breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, palpitations, muscle spasm or tremors, bone pain, changes in vision. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infection. Do not get vaccinated without consulting prescriber. Avoid direct sunlight, use protective clothing, wear sunscreen and eyewear to prevent photosensitivity. Avoid wearing contact lenses during therapy to prevent irritation of eyes.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapid and extensive. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Approx 0.75 hour. Time to peak: 1.5 hours; Fluorouracil: 2 hours. Excretion: Urine and feces.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.