More from Doxorub
Other strengths and forms by Techno Drugs Ltd., Satipara, Narshingdi
Indications & Uses
Doxorub is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Doxorubicin hydrochloride is a cytotoxic anthracycline that inhibits topoisomerase II. The cytotoxic effect of Doxorubicin HCl on malignant cells, along with its toxic effects on various organs, is thought to stem from the drug's ability to intercalate between nucleotide bases and bind to cell membrane lipids. This intercalation blocks nucleotide replication and interferes with the action of DNA and RNA polymerases. The interaction of Doxorubicin with topoisomerase II to form DNA cleavable complexes appears to be an important mechanism behind the cytocidal activity of Doxorubicin HCl.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
When Doxorubicin HCl is used as a single agent, the dose is 60 to 75 mg/m2 given intravenously every 21 days. In combination therapy, the dose is 40 to 75 mg/m2 given intravenously every 21 to 28 days. Doxorubicin HCl should be discontinued in patients who develop signs or symptoms of cardiomyopathy, and the dose should be reduced in patients with hepatic impairment.
As an intravenous injection, Doxorubicin HCl is given through a central intravenous line, or through a secure and free-flowing peripheral venous line containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. The injection runs over 3 to 10 minutes. If erythematous streaking appears along the vein proximal to the site of infusion, or if facial flushing occurs, the rate of administration should be decreased. As an intravenous infusion, Doxorubicin HCl is given only through a central catheter.
Management of Suspected Extravasation: Doxorubicin HCl should be discontinued if the patient feels a burning or stinging sensation, or if there is other evidence of perivenous infiltration or extravasation. Confirmed or suspected extravasation is managed as follows. The needle should be left in place until attempts have been made to aspirate the extravasated fluid. The line should not be flushed, and pressure should not be applied to the site. Ice should be applied to the site intermittently for 15 min, 4 times a day, for 3 days. If the extravasation is in an extremity, the extremity should be elevated. In adults, administration of dexrazoxane should be considered.
Incompatibility with Other Drugs: Doxorubicin hydrochloride should not be admixed with other drugs. A precipitate may form if Doxorubicin HCl is mixed with heparin or fluorouracil. Contact with alkaline solutions should be avoided, as these can lead to hydrolysis of Doxorubicin hydrochloride.
Side Effects
The most common side effects (seen in more than 10% of patients) are hair loss, nausea and vomiting. Other side effects include heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy) and irregular heart rhythms, secondary cancers, leakage into surrounding tissue causing tissue death, severe bone marrow suppression, tumor lysis syndrome, increased sensitivity to radiation and radiation recall.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindications
Doxorubicin HCl must not be used in patients who have severe myocardial insufficiency, a recent myocardial infarction (one that occurred within the past 4 to 6 weeks), severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression, severe hepatic impairment (defined as Child Pugh Class C or a serum bilirubin level greater than 5 mg/dl), or a severe hypersensitivity reaction to Doxorubicin HCl, including anaphylaxis.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Doxorubicin HCl is Pregnancy Category D, which means it can cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman. If it is used during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while taking Doxorubicin HCl, she should be told about the possible danger to the fetus. Women who could become pregnant should be advised to use highly effective contraception while on treatment and for 6 months after it ends.
There is evidence that Doxorubicinbe excreted in human milk. Because nursing infants could suffer serious adverse reactions from Doxorubicin HCl, a decision has to be made either to stop nursing or to stop the drug, taking into account how important the drug is for the mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Children who have been treated with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride are at risk of developing cardiovascular dysfunction later in life. For this reason, long-term periodic cardiovascular monitoring is recommended for all pediatric patients who have received Doxorubicin Hydrochloride HCl.
Geriatric use: No overall differences in safety and effectiveness have been found compared with younger patients.
Hepatic impaired patients: The clearance of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride is reduced in patients with elevated serum bilirubin levels. The dose of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride HCl should be decreased in patients whose serum bilirubin is greater than 1.2 mg/dl. Doxorubicin Hydrochloride HCl is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Overdose
If someone takes too much Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, the symptoms are likely to be an extension of the medicine's normal pharmacological action. Single doses of 250 mg and 500 mg have proven fatal. Doses like these may cause acute myocardial degeneration within 24 hours, along with severe myelosuppression, which is at its worst between 10 and 15 days after administration. Delayed cardiac failure may also occur up to six months after the overdose. Patients should be watched carefully during this time, and treatment should aim to support them through it.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in a dry place at 2° to 8° C. Protect it from light and don't let it freeze. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Doxorub 50 mg
What is Doxorub 50 mg Injection?
Doxorub 50 mg Injection is a medicine that contains Doxorubicin Hydrochloride. It is made by Techno Drugs Ltd., Satipara, Narshingdi. It belongs to the Cytotoxic Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is Doxorub used for?
Doxorub is used for: Cancer.
What are the side effects of Doxorub?
The most common side effects (seen in more than 10% of patients) are hair loss, nausea and vomiting. Other side effects include heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy) and irregular heart rhythms, secondary cancers, leakage into surrounding tissue causing tissue death, severe bone marrow suppression, tumor lysis syndrome, increased sensitivity to radiation and radiation recall.
Can I take Doxorub during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Doxorubicin HCl is Pregnancy Category D, which means it can cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman. If it is used during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while taking Doxorubicin HCl, she should be told about the possible danger to the fetus. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Doxorub?
If someone takes too much Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, the symptoms are likely to be an extension of the medicine's normal pharmacological action. Single doses of 250 mg and 500 mg have proven fatal. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Doxorub?
Keep Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in a dry place at 2° to 8° C. Protect it from light and don't let it freeze.
Can I take other medicines with Doxorub?
Some medicines can interact with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, for example: Daunorubicin, Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine, Paclitaxel, Trastuzumab, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome, Ubidecarenone [Coenzyme Q10]. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Doxorub?
Doxorub is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.