IRINOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE

Chemotherapy

Brand names: Irinotecan Hydrochloride 100 mg/5 mL

Intravenous

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Irinotecan is a derivative of camptothecin. Camptothecins interact specifically with the enzyme topoisomerase I, which relieves torsional strain in DNA by inducing reversible single-strand breaks. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 bind to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevent religation of these single-strand breaks. Current research suggests that the cytotoxicity of irinotecan is due to double-strand DNA damage produced during DNA synthesis when replication enzymes interact with the ternary complex formed by topoisomerase I, DNA, and either irinotecan or SN-38. Mammalian cells cannot efficiently repair these double-strand breaks.

Indications

See full prescribing information

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Diarrhea and cholinergic reactions: Early diarrhea (occurring during or shortly after infusion of irinotecan hydrochloride injection) is usually transient and may be accompanied by cholinergic symptoms
25 mg to 1 mg of intravenous or subcutaneous atropine (unless clinically contraindicated)
2 ) Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Individuals who are homozygous for the UGT1A1 * 28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia following initiation of irinotecan hydrochloride injection treatment
5 ) Pulmonary Toxicity: Interstitial Pulmonary Disease (IPD)-like events, including fatalities, have occurred

Known Side Effects

7 documented side effects by frequency

Diarrhea

>10%

Nausea

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Fatigue

0.1-1%

Fever

0.1-1%

Weakness

0.1-1%

Abdominal Pain

0.1-1%

Community Discussions

No community discussions found for IRINOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE yet.

Compare With

0 available comparisons

No comparisons yet.

Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Intravenous