Vincristine Sulfate
Generic Name: vincristine sulfate
Brand Names:
Vincristine Sulfate
DESCRIPTION Vincristine Sulfate Injection, USP is the salt of an alkaloid obtained from a common flowering herb, the periwinkle plant ( Vinca rosea Linn). Originally known as leurocristine, it has also been referred to as LCR and VCR. The molecular formula for Vincristine Sulfate, USP is C 46 H 56 N 4 O 10 ∙H 2 SO 4 . It has a molecular weight of 923.04. The structural formula is as follows: Vincristine Sulfate, USP is a white to off–white powder.
Overview
DESCRIPTION Vincristine Sulfate Injection, USP is the salt of an alkaloid obtained from a common flowering herb, the periwinkle plant ( Vinca rosea Linn). Originally known as leurocristine, it has also been referred to as LCR and VCR. The molecular formula for Vincristine Sulfate, USP is C 46 H 56 N 4 O 10 ∙H 2 SO 4 . It has a molecular weight of 923.04. The structural formula is as follows: Vincristine Sulfate, USP is a white to off–white powder.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vincristine Sulfate Injection is indicated in acute leukemia. Vincristine Sulfate Injection has also been shown to be useful in combination with other oncolytic agents in Hodgkin's disease, non–Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumor.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION This preparation is for intravenous use only (see WARNINGS ). Neurotoxicity appears to be dose related. Extreme care must be used in calculating and administering the dose of Vincristine Sulfate Injection since overdosage may have a very serious or fatal outcome. The usual dose of Vincristine Sulfate Injection for pediatric patients is 1.5–2 mg/m 2 . For pediatric patients weighing 10 kg or less, the starting dose should be 0.05 mg/kg, administered once a week. The usual dose of Vincristine Sulfate Injection for adults is 1.4 mg/m 2 . A 50% reduction in the dose of Vincristine Sulfate Injection is recommended for patients having a direct serum bilirubin value above 3 mg/100 mL. The drug is administered intravenously at weekly intervals.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Prior to the use of this drug, patients and/or their parents/guardian should be advised of the possibility of untoward symptoms. In general, adverse reactions are reversible and are related to dosage. The most common adverse reaction is hair loss; the most troublesome adverse reactions are neuromuscular in origin. When single, weekly doses of the drug are employed, the adverse reactions of leukopenia, neuritic pain, and constipation occur but are usually of short duration (ie., less than 7 days). When the dosage is reduced, these reactions may lessen or disappear. The severity of such reactions seems to increase when the calculated amount of drug is given in divided doses.
Interactions
Drug Interactions The simultaneous oral or intravenous administration of phenytoin and antineoplastic chemotherapy combinations that included vincristine sulfate has been reported to reduce blood levels of the anticonvulsant and to increase seizure activity. Dosage adjustment should be based on serial blood level monitoring. The contribution of vincristine sulfate to this interaction is not certain. The interaction may result from reduced absorption of phenytoin and an increase in the rate of its metabolism and elimination. Vincristine sulfate is a substrate for cytochrome P450 3A isozymes (CYP3A).
Warnings
WARNINGS Caution–This preparation should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection. It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any vincristine is injected. Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection may cause considerable irritation. WARNINGS This preparation is for intravenous use only. It should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection. The intrathecal administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection usually results in death. To reduce the potential for fatal medication errors due to incorrect route of administration, Vincristine Sulfate Injection should be diluted in a flexible plastic container and prominently labeled as indicated "FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY – FATAL IF GIVEN BY OTHER ROUTES." See OVERDOSAGE section for the treatment of patients given intrathecal Vincristine Sulfate Injection. Pregnancy Vincristine sulfate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. CONTRAINDICATIONS Patients with the demyelinating form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth syndrome should not be given Vincristine Sulfate Injection. Careful attention should be given to those conditions listed under WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS .
Pregnancy
Usage in Pregnancy See WARNINGS .
Storage
This product should be refrigerated between 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F). Discard unused solution. Protect from light. Store Upright.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vincristine Sulfate used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vincristine Sulfate Injection is indicated in acute leukemia. Vincristine Sulfate Injection has also been shown to be useful in combination with other oncolytic agents in Hodgkin's disease, non–Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumor.
What are the side effects of Vincristine Sulfate?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS Prior to the use of this drug, patients and/or their parents/guardian should be advised of the possibility of untoward symptoms. In general, adverse reactions are reversible and are related to dosage. The most common adverse reaction is hair loss; the most troublesome adverse reactions are neuromuscular in origin. When single, weekly doses of the drug are employed, the adverse reactions of leukopenia, neuritic pain, and constipation occur but are usually of short duration (ie., less than 7 days). When the dosage is reduced, these reactions may lessen or disappear. The severity of such reactions seems to increase when the calculated amount of drug is given in divided doses.
Can I take Vincristine Sulfate during pregnancy?▼
Usage in Pregnancy See WARNINGS .
What are the important warnings for Vincristine Sulfate?▼
WARNINGS Caution–This preparation should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection. It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any vincristine is injected. Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection may cause considerable irritation. WARNINGS This preparation is for intravenous use only. It should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection. The intrathecal administration of Vincristine Sulfate Injection usually results in death. To reduce the potential for fatal medication errors due to incorrect route of administration, Vincristine Sulfate Injection should be diluted in a flexible plastic container and prominently labeled as indicated "FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY – FATAL IF GIVEN BY OTHER ROUTES." See OVERDOSAGE section for the treatment of patients given intrathecal Vincristine Sulfate Injection. Pregnancy Vincristine sulfate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. CONTRAINDICATIONS Patients with the demyelinating form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth syndrome should not be given Vincristine Sulfate Injection. Careful attention should be given to those conditions listed under WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS .
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.