section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

te-mo-ZOLE-oh-mide

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antineoplastics

Pharmacologic Classification: alkylating agents

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Temozolomide is not active until converted at physiologic pH to MTIC, which alkylates DNA, disrupting its synthesis.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Death of rapidly replicating cells, especially malignant ones, resulting in regression or slowed tumor growth.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Rapidly converted to MTIC, the active metabolite.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Further metabolism results in the formation of methylhydrazine, which is responsible for most activity.

Half-Life: 1.8 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(effect on blood counts)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO/IV (WBC)unknown28 days (range 1–44 days)14 days
PO/IV (platelets)unknown26 days (range 21–40 days)14 days

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CNS: SEIZURES, fatigue, headache, abnormal coordination, anxiety, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, mental status changes, weakness

EENT: abnormal vision, diplopia

Resp: cough

CV: peripheral edema

GI: HEPATOTOXICITY, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dysphagia

Derm: pruritus, rash

Endo: adrenal hypercorticism

Hemat: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia

Metab: ↑weight

MS: abnormal gait, back pain

Neuro: hemiparesis, myalgia

Misc: breast pain (women), fever, injection site reactions, pain at injection site, secondary malignancies (rare)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Temodar

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Temodal

Pot. Nursing Diagnoses ⬆ ⬇

Code ⬆

NDC Code