Thioguanine
Cytostatic · Antimetabolite
Indications
Leukaemia.
Dosage
Antineoplastic: >3 yr & Adults & Elderly: Oral: 2-3 mg/kg/day calculated to nearest 20 mg or 75-200 mg/m²/day in 1-2 divided doses for 5-7 day or until remission is attained. Children: <3 yr: Combination drug therapy for acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia: 3.3 mg/kg/day in divided doses twice daily for 4 days.
Adverse Effects
Hepatic dysfunction, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, skin rash, hyperuricaemia, GI upsets, unsteady gait.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Viraemic states; marrow aplasia; severe anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia; hepatic or renal failure. Precautions: Haematological monitoring; infection.
Interactions
Mercaptopurine, busulfan, aminosalicylates.
Advice to Patient
Take as advised by prescriber. Contact prescriber if there is severe headache, fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, burning on urination, blood in stools, easy bruising or bleeding, severe nausea or vomiting, unrelieved mouth sores, hallucinations, changes in vision, difficulty in breathing. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Using soft toothbrush, cotton swabs, waxed dental floss, regular mouth care, frequent rinses may help to prevent mouth sores. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infection. Female patients of childbearing age must use an effective contraception method to avoid getting pregnant.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Incompletely and variably absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Intracellular. Bioavailability: Oral: 30%. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 90 mins. Excretion: Urine (mainly).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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