Cytarine

by Atco

Active ingredients: Cytarabine, Cytarabine (Ara-C)

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About Cytarabine/Ara-C

Cytostatic

Uses

Acute leukaemias.

How to take it

0.5-5 mg/kg body wt by IV or SC, daily for 5-10 days. See literature. Can be administered via IM, IV Infusion. IT or SC at a concentration NTE 100 mg/mL IV may be administered either as a bolus, IVPB (high doses of >500 mg/m²), or continuous IV infusion (doses of 100-200 mg/m²). Other: Can be administered intrathecally. Reconstitution: Reconstitute with SWFI, D5W or NS. Standard IV infusion dilution: Dose 250/1000 mL D5W or NS. Standard intrathecal dilution: Dose 3-5 mL lactated Ringer's + methotrexate (12 mg) + hydrocortisone (15-50 mg). Note: Bacteriostatic diluent should not be used for the preparation of either high doses or intrathecal doses of cytarabine; may be used for IM, SC and…

Side effects

Pyrexia, GI upset, rash, skin exfoliation, anorexia, oral or GI inflammation or ulceration, hepatic dysfunction, corneal disorders, infection, bone marrow failure, blood dyscrasias, alopecia, headache, arachnoiditis, confusion, somnolence, weakness, fatigue, meningeal irritation. Reports of serious CNS toxicity, sudden respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary oedema, cardiomyopathy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Renal or hepatic impairment. Monitor haemopoietic system. Risk of tumour lysis syndrome; monitor blood uric acid level. Observe all patients for immediate toxic reactions. Patients should lie flat for 1 hour following admin by lumber puncture. Monitor continuously for neurotoxicity; reduce dose if develops.

Advice

This medication is administered by injection or infusion. If severe vomiting occurs, consult prescriber for suitable antiemetic. Inform prescriber immediately if there is redness/swelling/burning/pain at injection or infusion site. Contact prescriber if there is difficulty in breathing, alteration in gait, constant GI disturbance, easy bleeding or bruising, dark coloured stool, change in colour of urine, yellowing of eyes or skin. 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. Using soft toothbrush, cotton swabs, regular…

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Interactions with Cytarabine/Ara-C

Alkylating agent, radiation, purine analogues, methotrexate, gentamicin, flucytosine, digoxin, other neurotoxic agents, cranial/spinal irradiation, live vaccines, digoxin, flucytosine, intrathecal methotrexate.

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Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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