Dacarbazine
Cytostatic · Alkylating agent
Indications
Malignancy especially malignant melanoma and malignant lymphomas. Testicular tumours, colorectal cancers, tumours of GIT, CNS, soft tissues.
Dosage
Adults: 200-500 mg/m². Refer individual protocol. Children: Not recommended.
Administration
IV: Irritant: Infuse over 30-60 min; rapid infusion may cause severe venous irritation. Reconstitution: Reconstitute with a minimum of 2 mL (100 mg vial) or 4 mL (200 mg vial) of SWFI, D5W, or NS. Dilute to a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Standard IV dilution: 250-500 mL D5W or NS. Compatibility: Stable in NS, SWFI. Stability: Reconstituted solution is stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20°C) and 96 hours under refrigeration (4°C). Solutions for infusion (in D5W or NS) are stable for 24 hours at room temperature and protected from light. Decomposed drug turns pink.
Adverse Effects
Alopecia, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, myelosuppression, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzymes, anaemia, diarrhoea, taste disturbance, rash, photosensitivity, renal function test abnormalities.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined.
Interactions
BCG, clozapine, natalizumab, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus (topical), live vaccines (avoid), abiraterone acetate, CYP1A2 inhibitors, CYP2E1 inhibitors, deferasirox, denosumab, MAO inhibitors, roflumilast, trastuzumab.
Advice to Patient
This medication is administered by infusion. Before infusion, limit oral intake for 4-6 hours. Inform prescriber immediately if there is redness/swelling/burning/pain at infusion site. Contact prescriber if there is severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, sinus congestion, fever, muscle pain, change in gait, numbness in extremities, rash, easy bruising or bleeding, difficulty in breathing, dark coloured stool, change in colour of urine, yellowing of skin or eyes. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Take small, frequent meals to maintain good nutritional status. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infection. Do not get vaccinated without consulting prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic to the active metabolite MTIC [(methyl-triazene-1-yl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide]. Half-life elimination: Biphasic: Initial: 19 minutes, 55 minutes (renal and hepatic dysfunction); Terminal: 5 hours, 7.2 hours (renal and hepatic dysfunction). Excretion: Urine.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.