Dacarbazine Pharmacology

Dacarbazine

About Dacarbazine
Alkylating Agent (Triazene derivative), A systemic antineoplastic Agent.
Mechanism of Action of Dacarbazine
This alkylating agent in the liver undergo oxidative N-demethylation and produce 5-3(-methyltriazene-2yl) imidazole-4-carboxamide. Spontaneously this cleaves to 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide and an intermediate compound, which on decomposition gives methyl carbonium ion. This ion attaches to the DNA at the 7th position of guanine. It also inhibits the RNA synthesis by acting as a false precursor for purine synthesis and by binding to the sulf hydryl groups of the proteins.
Pharmacokinets of Dacarbazine
Absorption- Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration.
Distribution- Its distribution is localized to some tissues especially to the liver. It crosses the blood brain barrier to a lesser extend.
Metabolism-It is metabolized in the liver to its metabolites.5-3(-methyltriazine-2yl) imidazole-4-carboxamide is its active metabolite.
Excretion -Excreted through urine (40% as unchanged form).
Onset of Action for Dacarbazine
N/A
Duration of Action for Dacarbazine
N/A
Half Life of Dacarbazine
N/A
Side Effects of Dacarbazine
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Lowered resistance to infection
4. Bruising or unusual bleeding
5. Anemia
6. Weakness
7. Sore in mouth
8. Taste changes
9. Diarrhea
10. Loss of appetite
11. Visual changes
12. Black, tarry stools
13. Blood in urine or in stool
14. Cough or hoarseness
15. Fever
16. Chills
17. Lower back or side pain
18. Painful or difficult urination
19. Pinpoint red spot on skin
20. Slurred speech
21. Swelling on leg or lower leg
22. Shortness of breath
23. Pulmonary fibrosis
24. Hepatotoxicity
25. Nephrotoxicity
26. Stomatitis
27. Disorientation
28. Lethargy
29. Ataxia
30. Thrombocytopenia
31. Leucopenia
32. Bone marrow suppression
33. Alopecia
34. Urticaria
35. Photosensitivity
36. Hepatic necrosis
37. Renal impairment
38. Flu like syndrome
39. Myalgia
Contra-indications of Dacarbazine
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Bone marrow suppression
Special Precautions while taking Dacarbazine
1. Impaired bone marrow function
2. Hepatic impairment
3. Renal impairment
4. Monitor haematological functions regularly
5. Restricted the food intake before the drug administration.
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Dacarbazine
1. Malignant melanoma
2. Hodgkins disease
3. Lieomyosarcoma
4. Fibro sarcoma
5. Rhabdomyosarcoma
6. Neuroblastoma
7. Malignant glucagonoma
8. Lung cancer
9. Breast cancer
10. Colon cancer
11. Cancer of esophagus
12. Testicular cancer
Interactions for Dacarbazine
N/A
Typical Dosage for Dacarbazine
Intravenous-
Adult-
Metastatic malignant melanoma: 2-4.5mg/kg/day for 10 days, repeat the treatment every 4 weeks OR 250mg/metre square /day for 5 days, repeated every 3 weeks.
Hodgkin`s disease-150mg/metre square for 5 days, repeat every 4 weeks OR 375mg/metre square on day 1of a combination regimen, repeat every 15 days.
Schedule of Dacarbazine
N/A
Storage Requirements for Dacarbazine
Store at 2 - 8 degree C and protect from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Dacarbazine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Dacarbazine
Provide supportive and symptomatic treatment. Transfuse the blood components to reduce the drugs toxicity

Home Delivery for Dacarbazine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including dacarbazine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for dacarbazine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for dacarbazine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take dacarbazine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for dacarbazine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for dacarbazine with the pharmacy.

Dacarbazine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for dacarbazine might be better known than dacarbazine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have dacarbazine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for dacarbazine.