ALEXAN 500mg/10ml Injection/Solution for

What is ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

ALEXAN 500mg/10ml is a cytotoxic chemotherapy medication formulated as a solution for injection. It contains the active substance Cytarabine, an antimetabolite used primarily in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It is administered under strict medical supervision in hospital or oncology settings.

• Generic Name: Cytarabine
• Form: Solution for injection
• Strength: 500 mg/10 ml (50 mg/ml)
• Packaging: 10 ml vial
• Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic (antimetabolite)

Cytarabine works by interfering with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells, leading to cell death. Due to its potency, ALEXAN is often used in combination chemotherapy protocols and requires careful patient monitoring.

How to use ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

ALEXAN should only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a hospital or specialized cancer treatment center. The method and frequency of administration depend on the condition being treated, patient factors, and protocol regimen.

• Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) injection
• Administration Settings: Typically administered in cycles with rest periods
• Dilution: May be diluted with compatible IV fluids such as 0.9% sodium chloride or dextrose solution depending on treatment protocol
• Monitoring: Regular blood counts, liver and kidney function, and neurologic assessments
• Handling: Use personal protective equipment due to its cytotoxic nature

Patients are advised to strictly follow medical instructions and not attempt to self-administer this drug. All dosing schedules and supportive care should be followed exactly as prescribed by the oncologist or treating physician.

Mode of Action ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

Cytarabine, the active component in ALEXAN, is an antimetabolite classified under the pyrimidine analogues. It is specifically toxic to rapidly dividing cells such as malignant hematopoietic cells.

• DNA Synthesis Inhibition: Cytarabine is phosphorylated intracellularly to cytarabine triphosphate, which competes with deoxycytidine triphosphate during DNA synthesis.
• Chain Termination: When incorporated into DNA, it inhibits DNA polymerase, halting DNA replication and repair processes.
• Cell Cycle Specificity: It is S-phase specific, meaning its cytotoxic effect is maximal during the DNA synthesis phase of the cell cycle.

The drug is effective against rapidly proliferating cancer cells, especially in leukemias and lymphomas. However, it also affects normal rapidly dividing cells, accounting for its side effect profile.

ALEXAN 500mg/10ml Interactions ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

Cytarabine may interact with various drugs, which can enhance toxicity or reduce efficacy. Clinicians must assess potential drug-drug interactions before prescribing.

• Digoxin: Concurrent use may reduce serum digoxin levels.
• Gentamicin: Cytarabine may antagonize its activity against certain bacteria in vitro.
• Methotrexate: Increased risk of neurotoxicity, especially if administered intrathecally.
• Live Vaccines: Increased risk of infection due to immunosuppression; avoid during and after therapy until immune function recovers.
• Fluorocytidine or other cytotoxics: May result in additive bone marrow suppression.

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products they are taking.

Dosage of ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

The dosage of ALEXAN is highly individualized and depends on factors such as disease type, patient age, renal/hepatic function, and the specific chemotherapy protocol.

• Induction Therapy: Commonly 100–200 mg/m²/day by continuous IV infusion or divided IV injections for 7 days
• Consolidation Therapy: High-dose regimens may reach 1–3 g/m² every 12 hours for 2–6 doses depending on the protocol
• Maintenance Therapy: Lower intermittent doses over a longer period
• Pediatric Use: Adjusted for body surface area and closely monitored

Supportive care with hydration, antiemetics, and antibiotics may be necessary. Dosage should be adjusted in cases of hepatic or renal impairment, and regular monitoring is essential to guide therapy.

Possible side effects of ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

Like other chemotherapeutic agents, ALEXAN is associated with both common and serious adverse effects. Some are dose-dependent and may require treatment interruption or modification.

• Hematologic: Bone marrow suppression leading to anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis
• Neurologic: Cerebellar toxicity (especially at high doses), seizures, slurred speech
• Hepatic: Elevated liver enzymes, hepatotoxicity
• Infectious: Increased risk of opportunistic infections
• Others: Fever, rash, conjunctivitis (chemical), alopecia

Severe toxicity may necessitate treatment delay, dose reduction, or discontinuation. Patients should report any signs of bleeding, infections, or neurologic symptoms immediately.

ALEXAN 500mg/10ml Contraindications ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

ALEXAN is contraindicated in certain patient populations due to the risk of serious or fatal adverse reactions.

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Cytarabine or any excipients
• Severe Bone Marrow Suppression: Pre-existing myelosuppression unless used for life-threatening malignancy under close monitoring
• Active Uncontrolled Infection: Risk of exacerbation due to immunosuppression
• Pregnancy: Category D – known teratogenicity; should only be used if the benefits outweigh risks
• Severe Hepatic Dysfunction: Increased toxicity risk; caution required

Comprehensive patient assessment is crucial before initiating therapy. Adequate contraception is recommended for both men and women during and after treatment.

Storage of ALEXAN 500mg/10ml

Proper storage of cytotoxic agents like ALEXAN is critical to preserve efficacy and ensure safety.

• Temperature: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F); avoid freezing
• Protection: Keep the vial in the original outer carton to protect from light
• Handling: Use gloves and eye protection when handling; prepare in designated safety cabinets (biological safety cabinet)
• Shelf-life: Refer to the expiry date on the packaging
• Disposal: Dispose of unused product and waste materials via proper cytotoxic waste disposal protocols

Always follow local regulatory guidance and hospital protocols when storing and disposing of chemotherapy products.