Etoposide Pharmacology

Etoposide

About Etoposide
Derivative of podophyllotoxin, Antineoplastic Agent.
Mechanism of Action of Etoposide
This semi synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin arrests cells in G2 phase. It stabilizes the DNA cleavage normally catalysed by topoisomerase 2 and inhibits the relegation of DNA.This drug also prevents the cells from entering mitosis and depressing RNA&DNA synthesis.
Pharmacokinets of Etoposide
Absorption- Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration, moderately absorbed after oral administration
Distribution-Widely distributed in the body.97% bound to the plasma proteins. It crosses the blood brain barrier.
Metabolism- Metabolized (only a small portion is metabolized) in the liver to its metabolites. O-demethylated derivative is its active metabolite.
Excretion- Excreted through urine as unchanged form. A small portion is excreted through feces.
Onset of Action for Etoposide
N/A
Duration of Action for Etoposide
N/A
Half Life of Etoposide
Its plasma half life is 7 hrs
Side Effects of Etoposide
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. Conjunctivitis
27. Keratitis
28. Swelling of the lips, tongue and face
29. Peripheral neuropathy
30. Hypotension
31. Jaundice
32. Bronchospasm
Contra-indications of Etoposide
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Severe bone marrow depression
3. Hepatic dysfunction
Special Precautions while taking Etoposide
1. Renal dysfunction
2. Treatment with cytotoxic drug
3. Recent radiation
4. Extravasations
5. Infection
6. Contraception
7. Monitor patient`s hepatic, renal and haematological functions regularly.
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Contraindicated
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
Indications for Etoposide
1. Lung cancer
2. Testicular cancer
3. Lymphoma
4. Non lymphocytic leukemia
5. Glioblastoma multiforms
6. Bladder cancer
7. Brain tumor
8. Germ cell tumor
9. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
10. Head and neck cancer
11. Ovarian cancer
12. Prostate cancer
13. Ewings sarcoma
14. Hepatoma
15. Kaposi`s sarcoma
16. Leukemia
17. Neuroblastoma
18. Rhabdomyosarcoma
19. Wilm`s tumor
Interactions for Etoposide
Warfarin: Prolongation of prothrombin time may occur.
Other cytotoxic drugs: Synergism.
Typical Dosage for Etoposide
Adult-
For small cell carcinoma of the lung-
70mg/metre square/day orally for 4 days OR 100mg/metre square /day orally for 5 days
Repeat the treatment every 3-4 weeks
For testicular carcinoma-
50-100mg/metre square intravenously daily for 5 days OR 100mg/metre square/day on days 1, 3, and 5 days
Repeated the treatment every 4 weeks
For Kaposi`s sarcoma-
150mg/metre square for 3 consecutive days every 4 weeks
Repeat the dose as necessary
Schedule of Etoposide
H
Storage Requirements for Etoposide
Store in refrigerator. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Etoposide
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 Etoposide
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment. Induce emesis and transfuse the blood components.

Home Delivery for Etoposide in Your City

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

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

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