Indications & Uses
Tarabin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Cytarabine is an antineoplastic agent. A synthetic pyrimidine nucleoside, it is converted inside cells to its active form, cytarabine triphosphate. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but this metabolite appears to inhibit DNA synthesis by blocking DNA polymerase, and its action is cell-cycle specific. Cytarabine also has immunosuppressant properties and has shown antiviral activity in vitro.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Cytarabine injection does not work when taken by mouth. The schedule and method of giving it depend on the treatment program being followed. It may be given by intravenous infusion or injection, subcutaneously, or intrathecally (preservative-free preparation only).
For induction therapy of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, the usual cytarabine dose in combination with other anticancer drugs is 100 mg/m2/day by continuous IV infusion (Days 1 to 7) or 100 mg/m2 IV every 12 hours (Days 1 to 7). The current literature should be consulted for recommendations on use in acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Intrathecal use in meningeal leukemia: cytarabine injection has been given intrathecally in acute leukemia at doses ranging from 5 mg/m2 to 75 mg/m2 of body surface area.
Use in children: appropriate studies with cytarabine have not been carried out in the paediatric population. However, paediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medicine in children are not expected.
Use in the elderly: although studies with cytarabine have not been carried out in the geriatric population, geriatric-specific problems that would limit its usefulness in the elderly are not expected. Elderly patients are, however, more likely to have age-related impairment of kidney function, which may require a reduction in dosage for those receiving cytarabine.
Side Effects
The main adverse effect of Cybine is haematologic toxicity. Myelosuppression usually shows as megaloblastosis, leucopenia, anaemia, reticulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Leucopenia results mainly from granulocyte depression; lymphocytes are affected only minimally. The severity of these effects depends on the dose of the drug and the schedule of administration. The incidence and severity of haematologic toxicity are minimal after a single intravenous dose of Cybine, but myelosuppression occurs in almost all patients given daily IV injections or continuous IV infusions. Nausea and vomiting may occur during Cybine therapy, and they usually occur more often and more severely after rapid IV administration than after continuous infusion. Viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic or saprophytic infections, which can be mild, severe and at times fatal, may be associated with Cybine when it is used alone or together with other immunosuppressive agents at immunosuppressive doses that affect cellular or humoral immunity. Neurotoxicity after intrathecal Cybine has been linked to diluents that contain preservatives, and many clinicians recommend using preservative-free diluents instead. A Cybine syndrome has been reported, marked by fever, myalgia, bone pain, malaise, maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis and occasionally chest pain. A "flu-like" syndrome has also been reported, which may be treated with corticosteroids if severe. Anaphylactoid reactions have occurred. The syndrome usually appears 6 to 12 hours after the drug is given; corticosteroids have been shown to help in both treating and preventing it. If the symptoms of the syndrome need treatment, corticosteroids should be considered, along with continuation of Cybine therapy. Two adult patients with non-lymphocytic leukaemia developed peripheral motor and sensory neuropathies after consolidation with high-dose Cybine, daunorubicin and asparaginase. A syndrome of sudden respiratory distress, progressing rapidly to pulmonary oedema with radiologically pronounced cardiomegaly, has been reported after experimental high-dose Cybine therapy for relapsed leukaemia. This syndrome can be fatal.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Use with caution in patients with previous drug-induced bone marrow suppression, renal or hepatic impairment, and during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
Cytarabine should not be used in patients who are known to be hypersensitive to the drug.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, cytarabine is suspected of causing, or being able to cause, an increased rate of fetal malformations or irreversible harm, and it may also carry other adverse pharmacological effects. Because it has been shown to be teratogenic in some animal species, it should not be used during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, and should be avoided in women who may become pregnant. Whether cytarabine passes into human breast milk is not known. Women should be advised not to breastfeed during treatment with cytarabine, given the potential risk to the infant.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Expect severe bone marrow depression, gastrointestinal toxicity and vomiting after an overdose of Cytarabine. Stop the treatment and start supportive measures. If the bone marrow is depressed, transfusions of blood products may be needed, and active steps may be necessary to fight infection.
Hyperuricaemia can be avoided by adding allopurinol to the treatment schedule. Alkalinisation of the urine and hydration may also be used.
Methods to prevent hair loss (alopecia) have had varying success. Scalp tourniquets and ice packs have been used to keep the concentration of antineoplastic agents in the scalp low after intravenous injection. These methods, however, may allow a cancer-cell sanctuary to develop, so they should not be used in patients with leukaemia or other conditions with circulating malignant cells.
The treatment of extravasation is controversial. Warm moist soaks or ice packs have been applied, and a corticosteroid may sometimes be instilled into the affected area.
Antiemetic therapy should be given to try to prevent or control nausea and vomiting.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep the Cytarabine vial in its original carton, at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect it from light. Don't put it in the refrigerator. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Tarabin 100 mg
What is Tarabin 100 mg Injection?
Tarabin 100 mg Injection is a medicine that contains Cytarabine. It is made by Techno Drugs Ltd., Satipara, Narshingdi. It belongs to the Cytotoxic Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is Tarabin used for?
Tarabin is used for: Cancer.
What are the side effects of Tarabin?
The main adverse effect of Cybine is haematologic toxicity. Myelosuppression usually shows as megaloblastosis, leucopenia, anaemia, reticulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia.
Can I take Tarabin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, cytarabine is suspected of causing, or being able to cause, an increased rate of fetal malformations or irreversible harm, and it may also carry other adverse pharmacological effects. Because it has been shown to be teratogenic in some animal species, it should not be used during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, and should be avoided in women who may become pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Tarabin?
Expect severe bone marrow depression, gastrointestinal toxicity and vomiting after an overdose of Cytarabine. Stop the treatment and start supportive measures. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Tarabin?
Keep the Cytarabine vial in its original carton, at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect it from light.
Can I take other medicines with Tarabin?
Some medicines can interact with Cytarabine, for example: Palonosetron, Gentamicin, Digoxin, Fludarabine Phosphate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Tarabin?
Tarabin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.