Cytarabine is an antineoplastic drug. It slows down the growth and spread of the cancer cells in the body to effectively cure certain types of cancer.
Cytarabine is available under the brand name DepoCyt, Tarabine PFS, and Cytosar U. It is given to individuals who have acute myeloid leukemia and lymphomas. It can also be used to cure herpes virus infection with its antiviral properties.
Cytarabine comes in various forms. It can be injected into the veins through cannula, a fine tube that is placed in the rear of the hand. It can also be administered through a thin plastic tube that is inserted beneath the skin into a vein. It can also be given through a tube placed inside the PICC line, or through infusion via the cannula.
The dosage is usually dependent on the condition that is being treated, as well as the patient’s response to therapy, the stage of cancer, the size of the body, and the other drugs being used.
Treatment is usually given daily for a certain period followed by a break. The treatment schedule is then repeated after the rest period.
Cytarabine may result to various side effects. For instance, patients may have a decreased resistance to infection. This can be experienced a week after taking Cytarabine. This is due to the reduction of white blood cells, making a person more likely to develop infections.
Patients may also experience bleeding since Cytarabine decreases the production of platelets instrumental in making the blood clot. Patients should inform their doctors if they experienced abnormal bleeding like nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and blood spots.
Users of Cytarabine may also experience decrease in red blood cells, or anemia. This could result to patients becoming exhausted or breathless.
Those who use Cytarabine may also experience vomiting or nausea. This is usually experienced once the patient takes Cytarabine and may last for a couple of hours. Doctors usually prescribe anti-emetic medication to reduce these side effects.
Cytarabine may also result to users having diarrhea. This can be remedied by taking more fluids like water.
Other side effects may include loss of appetite, increased uric acid level in the blood, sore ulcers and mouth, taste changes, and gritty eyes.
Cancer usually increases the chances of a patient developing thrombosis, and this risk can be further increased when undergoing chemotherapy. Blood clots usually cause symptoms like pain and swelling of the leg, chest pains and breathlessness. Patients should inform their doctors if they have experienced any of these symptoms while taking Cytarabine.
Certain medications may interact negatively when taken with Cytarabine. Patients should reveal to their doctors any drug, whether prescription or non-prescription that they are taking.
Patients may also experience pain at the injected place while the drug is being administered. Patients should inform their doctors or nurse who can help in reducing the painful feeling.
Cytarabine may also affect the fertility of those who are using it. It is also not recommended for pregnant women to take Cytarabine since it can harm the developing fetus.
Cytarabine has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of cytarabine is C9H13N3O5
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 4-amino-1-[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]pyrimidin-2-one
• Molecular weight is 243.217 g/mol
• Cytarabine available : 100mg tablets, 500mg tablets, 1g tablets and 2g tablets
Brand name(s): Alexan, Arabinocytidine, Arabinosylcytosine, Arabitin, AraC, Aracytidine, Aracytin, Aracytine, Arafcyt, Citarabina, Cytarabin, Cytarabina, Cytarabinoside, Cytarabinum, Cytarbel, Cytosar, Cytosine, Depocyt, Erpalfa, Iretin, Spongocytidine, Tarabine, Udicil
Review published on: 09 July 2009
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