Epirubicin Pharmacology

Epirubicin

About Epirubicin
Anthracycline anibiotic, Antineoplastic.
Mechanism of Action of Epirubicin
This anthracycline drug intercalates DNA strands, which results complex formation it will inhibit DNA & RNA synthesis. It triggers DNA cleavage by inhibiting topoisomerase 2 that leads to cell death. Binding of this drug to the cell membrane and plasma proteins involved this compounds cytotoxic effects. Epirubicin also generates free radicals that cause cell and DNA damage.
Pharmacokinets of Epirubicin
Absorption -Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration
Distribution - Widely distributed in the body.77% bound to the plasma proteins
Metabolism - Metabolized in the liver.Epirubicinol is its active metabolite
Excretion - Eliminated through bile. A small portion is excreted via urine
Onset of Action for Epirubicin
N/A
Duration of Action for Epirubicin
N/A
Half Life of Epirubicin
25 to 35 hrs
Side Effects of Epirubicin
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Closing of the throat
5. Bone marrow suppression
6. Bruising or unusual bleeding
7. Tarry stools
8. Fever
9. Chills
10. Congestive heart failure
11. Diarrhea
12. Loss of appetite
13. Facial flushing
14. Darkening of skin and nails
15. Alopecia
16. Red urine
17. Leukemia
18. Hyperpyrexia
19. Amenorrhea
20. Anaphylaxis
21. Photosensitivity
22. Premature menopause
23. Thrombocytopenia
24. Neutropenia
25. Leucopenia
26. Conjuctivitis
27. Keratitis
28. Swelling of the lips, tongue and face
Contra-indications of Epirubicin
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Hypersensitivity to other anthracycline and anthracenediones
3. Hepatic impairment
4. Myocardial insufficiency
5. Myocardial infarction
6. Severe arrhythmia
7. Cardiac disease
8. Previous therapy with anti tumor drugs in high doses
Special Precautions while taking Epirubicin
1. Previous extensive radiotherapy
2. Bone infiltration by tumor
3. Recent immunizations
Pregnancy Related Information
N/A
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
N/A
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Epirubicin
1. Breast cancer
2. Gastric cancer
3. Lung cancer
4. Lymphomas
5. Non Hodgkins disease
6. Ovarian cancer
7. Bladder cancer
8. Pediatric soft tissue sarcoma
9. Soft tissue sarcoma
Interactions for Epirubicin
N/A
Typical Dosage for Epirubicin
Intravenous-
Adults-
135 mg/metre square as a single agent and 120mg/metre square in combination every 3 to 4 weeks for the treatment of breast cancer
100mg/metre square every 3 to 4 weeks for the treatment of early breast cancer
Schedule of Epirubicin
H
Storage Requirements for Epirubicin
Stored at temperature between 2 and 8 degree Celsius, protect from light
Effects of Missed Dosage of Epirubicin
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 Epirubicin
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Epirubicin in Your City

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

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 epirubicin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for epirubicin 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 epirubicin 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 epirubicin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for epirubicin with the pharmacy.

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