Irinotecan

Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase I, can enzyme involved in DNA replication. Indications: Metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum when disease has progressed or recurred following 5-FU therapy.

Dosage of Irinotecan hydrochloride

Varies in weekly and once every three week schedule. All dosages are to be administered as IV infusion over 90 minutes.

Weekly dose schedule: The usual starting dose is 125mg/m2; patients should be carefully monitored for toxicity. Subsequent doses may be adjusted to as high as 150mg/m2. Once every three weeks dosage schedule: The usual starting dose is 350mg/m2; patients should be carefully monitored for toxicity. Subsequent doses may be adjusted to as low as 200mg/m2.

Contralndlcations -- Known hypersensitivity to irinotecan.

Side effects fo Irinotecan hydrochloride

• Abdominal discomfort,
• vomiting,
• diarrhoea,
• nausea.
• Leukopnia,
• utropenia,
• anaemia,
• haemorrhage.
• Body pain,
• asthenia,
• insomnia,
• dizziness.

Drug Interactions of Irinotecan hydrochloride

Other antineoplastic agents -- Side effects like diarrhoea and myelosuppression may be exacerbated.

Dexamethasone -- Lymphocytopenia has been observed when coadministered.

Diuretics -- Because of possibiilty of causing dehydration with diarrhoea, caution should be observed in the use of irinotecan with diuretics.

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