mechlorethamine (topical)

Contraindicated in:

Severe hypersensitivity;
OB: Pregnancy (safety of topical formulation not established; systemic exposure causes fetal harm);
Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Rep: Women of reproductive potential and men with female partners of reproductive potential;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness in children not established.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: dermatitis, bacterial skin infection, hyperpigmentation, non-melanoma skin cancer, pruritus, skin blistering/ulceration

GU: ↓fertility

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS(INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Topical gel: 0.016% (equivalent to 0.02% mechlorethamine)

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

(Adults ): Apply a thin film once daily to affected area.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis by cross-linking strands (cell-cycle phase-nonspecific).

Therapeutic effects:

Death of rapidly replicating cells, particularly malignant ones.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antineoplastics

Pharmacologic Classification: alkylating agents

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Systemic absorption is not detectable following topical administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Systemically administered mechlorethamine is rapidly degraded in body tissues and fluids.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(improvement in lesions)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Top	1–11 mo	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient. Advise patient to readPatient Information before starting therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Instruct patient and caregiver on correct technique for application. Advise patients to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after application. Caregivers must wear disposable nitrile gloves during application and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removal of gloves. If accidental skin exposure occurs, caregivers must immediately wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water for 15 min and remove contaminated clothing. Secondary exposure may cause dermatitis, mucosal injury, and secondary cancers.
Advise patient to assess for new skin lesions and hypersensitivity reactions. If they occur, notify a health care professional.
Rep: May cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during therapy. Use a barrier method of contraception to avoid direct exposure of reproductive organs to mechlorethamine. Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected and to avoid breastfeeding during therapy. May impair fertility in males and females.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇