Doxorubicin Hydrochloride

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Generic Name of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride - Learn More

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before initiating treatment with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, patients must consult with their healthcare provider, especially if they have any of the following conditions:

- Heart Disease: Doxorubicin can cause cardiotoxicity leading to heart failure or other heart-related complications. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or valvular heart disease, should be carefully monitored throughout treatment.
- Liver Impairment: Doxorubicin is metabolized in the liver, and patients with liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis may require dose adjustments. Liver function tests should be performed regularly to assess liver health during treatment.
- Infections: Doxorubicin can suppress bone marrow activity, increasing the risk of infection. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection, including fever, chills, and sore throat.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Doxorubicin should be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it is a teratogen and may cause harm to the fetus. Women who are breastfeeding should not take this drug, as it can be excreted in breast milk.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Doxorubicin can cause nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, which may require antiemetic treatment. Patients should be assessed for vomiting and diarrhea during treatment.
- Renal Impairment: Caution is advised for patients with renal impairment, as Doxorubicin is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. Renal function should be monitored.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Indication - Uses and Benefits

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of various cancers, including:

- Breast Cancer: Often used in combination with other agents for adjuvant therapy and metastatic disease.
- Leukemia: It is commonly used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
- Lymphomas: Effective in treating both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Sarcomas: Doxorubicin is used in treating soft tissue and bone sarcomas.
- Ovarian Cancer: It can be used as part of chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer.
- Bladder Cancer: Doxorubicin can also be used for bladder cancer in both local and advanced stages.

It works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their ability to replicate and causing cell death.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Contraindications - Important Warnings

The use of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride is contraindicated in the following situations:

- Hypersensitivity: Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to doxorubicin or other anthracycline antibiotics should not receive this drug.
- Severe Cardiovascular Disorders: Doxorubicin is contraindicated in patients with severe heart conditions, including pre-existing heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, or severe arrhythmias.
- Severe Hepatic Impairment: It should be avoided in patients with severe liver disease or cirrhosis, as the drug is metabolized in the liver and requires careful dosing adjustments.
- Severe Neutropenia or Bone Marrow Suppression: Patients with significant suppression of bone marrow function, evidenced by low white blood cells, platelets, or hemoglobin levels, should not use this medication.
- Pregnancy: Doxorubicin is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can harm the fetus. The risk of fetal harm outweighs the potential benefit in pregnant women.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Side Effects - What to Expect

Common side effects of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride include:

- Nausea and Vomiting: One of the most common side effects, especially within hours of administration. Antiemetic therapy may be used to prevent or manage these symptoms.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia): Temporary hair loss is common during treatment, but hair often regrows after treatment ends.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Many patients report feeling tired and weak during chemotherapy with Doxorubicin.
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Doxorubicin can suppress the bone marrow, leading to low white blood cell count (neutropenia), low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), and anemia. This increases the risk of infection, bleeding, and fatigue.
- Cardiotoxicity: Heart damage is a severe potential side effect, especially with higher cumulative doses of Doxorubicin, which can lead to heart failure.
- Mouth Sores (Stomatitis): Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or throat are common during treatment.
- Red Discoloration of Urine: Doxorubicin causes a characteristic red discoloration of the urine, which is harmless but alarming for patients.

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

- Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat.
- Severe Heart Problems: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the legs could indicate heart problems.
- Liver Damage: Signs of liver toxicity include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or abdominal pain.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

4

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Mode of Action - How It Works

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride is an anthracycline antibiotic used in cancer treatment. It works by interfering with DNA replication in rapidly dividing cancer cells, effectively blocking topoisomerase II, an enzyme necessary for DNA supercoiling and rejoining.

This interference with DNA replication and repair results in DNA strand breaks, preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing. Additionally, doxorubicin generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress, contributing to cell death. Doxorubicin's action is not limited to DNA damage; it can also interfere with mitochondrial function, disrupting energy production in cells. These effects make Doxorubicin highly effective in treating cancers that require rapid cell division.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Doxorubicin can interact with several other medications and substances, potentially affecting its efficacy or causing adverse effects:

- Cytotoxic Drugs: When combined with other cytotoxic agents or chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide, methotrexate), the risk of severe myelosuppression or cardiotoxicity may increase.
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and grapefruit juice may inhibit the metabolism of Doxorubicin, leading to higher drug levels and increased toxicity.
- Radiation Therapy: Concurrent use of Doxorubicin with radiation therapy can increase the risk of tissue damage and secondary cancers, particularly in the chest area.
- Digoxin: Doxorubicin may interact with digoxin, a drug used for heart failure, by affecting its metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Drugs Affecting Bone Marrow: Combining Doxorubicin with drugs that also suppress bone marrow function (e.g., methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) can increase the risk of severe neutropenia and infections.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The typical dosage of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in adults varies depending on the type of cancer being treated and the overall health of the patient. The following are general guidelines:

- Breast Cancer: 60-75 mg/m² intravenously (IV) every 21 days, typically given as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.
- Leukemias: Dosage ranges from 30-60 mg/m² every 21-28 days, depending on the specific type of leukemia.
- Lymphomas: A dose of 50-75 mg/m² IV is typically used as part of chemotherapy regimens such as CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone).
- Sarcomas and Other Cancers: Doxorubicin is often administered at doses ranging from 60-75 mg/m² IV, depending on the chemotherapy regimen.

Treatment is usually administered in cycles, and dosing may be adjusted based on the patient’s response, overall health, and side effects experienced.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Child Dose - Dosage for Children

For children, the dosage of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride is calculated based on body surface area (BSA). The typical recommended dose is:

- Cancer Treatment: A usual dose range is 30-60 mg/m² IV, depending on the type of cancer being treated, with treatment cycles given every 21-28 days.
- For pediatric leukemia, doses can be adjusted based on the response and tolerance, and it is typically used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Pediatric patients should be closely monitored for side effects, particularly cardiac toxicity, as children are more sensitive to this risk. A healthcare provider will adjust the dosage according to the child's age, weight, and specific cancer type.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

No specific renal dose adjustments are required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, in patients with severe renal dysfunction, there may be an increased risk of toxicity, including cardiotoxicity and bone marrow suppression. It is important to monitor kidney function regularly during treatment. Doxorubicin should be used with caution in patients with significant renal impairment, and dose adjustments should be considered on a case-by-case basis.