aclarubicin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Cytotoxic antibiotic aclarubicin is used against blood malignant disorders and has many anticancer properties by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cancer cells through intercalation by inhibiting RNA synthesis. 

Spectrum: 

The spectrum of aclarubicin extends to different varieties of malignant blood disorders such as thyroid cancer, acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and small cell lung cancer. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Bone-Marrow suppression 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Mucositis 

Alopecia 

Sore mouth 

Hyperuricaemia 

Irritant to tissue 

Leucopenia 

Cardiotoxicity 

Myelosuppression 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

Contact with skin and eyes should be avoided when aclarubicin is administered, and inhalation of this drug is restricted. Monitoring of lab tests such as LFT, blood count, and uric acid level in blood while on aclarubicin. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Pregnancy 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Lactation

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Myocardial irradiation 
• Radiotherapy 
• Breast feeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Cytotoxic antibiotic aclarubicin is used against blood malignant disorders and has many anticancer properties by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cancer cells through intercalation by inhibiting RNA synthesis.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

By intercalation, aclarubicin inhibits RNA synthesis by interacting with topoisomerase I and II, which leads to inhibition of DNA repair and replication and protein synthesis. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Rapid absorption after IV into tissues. 

Distribution 

Protein-bound is 43% 

The volume of distribution of aclarubicin is 657+-341 L/kg 

Metabolism 

Metabolized extensively. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The half-life is 1.4-8.5 hours, terminal half-life: 3 hours. 

The drug is excreted in urine as metabolites. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Administration of aclarubicin is via Intravenous infusion with the recommended dose depending on the condition of the patient. It is initiated with the usual dose, after which a maintenance dose is administered for a particular duration, depending on the response. The drug is protected from sunlight and stored below 40 degrees Celsius. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: aclarubicin 

Pronounced: uh-KLAR-uh-bi-sin 

Why do we use aclarubicin? 

Cytotoxic antibiotic aclarubicin is used against blood malignant disorders and has many anticancer properties by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cancer cells through intercalation by inhibiting RNA synthesis.