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Indications

High Alert


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: alopecia

GI: hepatotoxicity, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, esophagitis

GU: fertility (men), renal failure

Hemat:

anemia

, LEUKOPENIA, THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Local: pain at IV site

Resp: PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

US Brand Names

BiCNU, Gliadel

Action

  • Inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis (cell-cycle phase-nonspecific).
Therapeutic effects:
  • Death of rapidly replicating cells, especially malignant ones.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antineoplastics

Pharmacologic Classification: alkylating agents

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability; following implantation, action is primarily local.

Distribution: Highly lipid soluble; readily penetrates CSF.

Metabolism/Excretion: Rapidly metabolized. Some metabolites have antineoplastic activity.

Half-Life: 15–75 min.

Time/Action Profile

(effect on platelet counts)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IVdays4–5 wk6 wk

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

kar-MUS-teen

Code

NDC Code