procarbazine

medtigo

procarbazine

Brand Name :

Matulane

Synonyms :

procarbazine, procarbazina

Class :

Antineoplastics, Alkylating Agent

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

procarbazine is an alkylating agent that inhibits DNA synthesis and disrupts DNA structure, ultimately leading to cell death. It is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme.
The liver metabolizes procarbazine into three active metabolites: methylhydrazine, azo-procarbazine, and propylhydrazine. These metabolites are believed to be responsible for the alkylating activity of the drug.
The spectrum of activity of procarbazine needs to be better defined, as it is primarily used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. However, it has been shown to have activity against various cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain tumors, lung cancer, and leukemia.

Dosing & Uses

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined

Neuropathy

Nausea

Pleural effusion

Heinz bodies

Impairment of fertility

Neurotoxicity

Vomiting

Myelosuppression

Hepatic dysfunction

Black Box Warning

Black box warning:

The treatment should only be administered by or under the supervision of a physician familiar with administering powerful antineoplastic medicines.
Patients should have access to adequate clinical and laboratory facilities to ensure effective therapy monitoring.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution:

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to procarbazine: Patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to procarbazine or its components should not take this medication
Severe liver or kidney disease: procarbazine is primarily metabolized by the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Patients with severe liver or kidney disease may not be able to properly metabolize or eliminate the drug, leading to an increased risk of toxicity.
Bone marrow suppression: procarbazine can cause bone marrow suppression, which may decrease the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Patients with pre-existing bone marrow suppression or a history of bone marrow toxicity should not take this medication.
Recent treatment with other chemotherapy or radiation therapy: procarbazine may interact with other chemotherapy medications or radiation therapy and increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: procarbazine can cause fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Caution:

Bone marrow suppression: procarbazine can cause bone marrow suppression, which may decrease the production of red and white blood cells and platelets.
Nervous system toxicity: procarbazine can cause nervous system toxicity, including dizziness, confusion, and seizures. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of nervous system toxicity, and treatment may need to be adjusted or discontinued if these symptoms occur.
Secondary cancers: procarbazine may increase the risk of developing secondary cancers, such as leukemia or other types of lymphoma.
Liver and kidney function: procarbazine is primarily metabolized by the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Patients with pre-existing liver or kidney disease may not be able to properly metabolize or eliminate the drug, leading to an increased risk of toxicity.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: D

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is known. Nursing is not recommended.

Pregnancy category:

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

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: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

procarbazine is an alkylating agent which damages the DNA of cancer cells and prevents them from dividing and growing. Specifically, procarbazine forms a highly reactive metabolite called methyl diazomethane, which binds to DNA and inhibits replication.

Pharmacodynamics:

The pharmacodynamics of procarbazine involves its effects on the DNA of cancer cells and its impact on healthy cells in the body. procarbazine is an alkylating agent that works by binding to the DNA in cancer cells and interfering with its replication, ultimately leading to cell death. It primarily acts during the S-phase of the cell cycle.

procarbazine can also cause damage to healthy cells, particularly those rapidly dividing, such as blood cells in the bone marrow and cells in the gastrointestinal tract. This can result in side effects such as bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting, and gastrointestinal toxicity. procarbazine can also cause nervous system toxicity, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and seizures.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption

procarbazine is orally in capsule form and rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma concentration is typically achieved within one hour of administration.

Distribution

procarbazine is highly protein-bound (over 99%) and is distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and effectively treat brain tumors.

Metabolism

procarbazine is primarily metabolized in the liver and converted into an active metabolite called azoprocarbazine. Azoprocarbazine is metabolized into an alkylating agent called methyl diazohydroxide, which is responsible for the drug’s anticancer effects.

Elimination and Excretion

procarbazine has a relatively short half-life of approximately 10 hours and is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. The drug is excreted mainly in the urine, with a small amount in the feces.

Adminstartion

Administration:

Oral administration:

procarbazine is typically administered orally in capsule form.
The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened or chewed, as the drug can cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.
The capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: procarbazine

Pronounced: [ pro-CAR-ba-zeen ]

Why do we use procarbazine?

procarbazine is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including:

Hodgkin’s disease: procarbazine is often used with other chemotherapy drugs to treat Hodgkin’s disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Brain tumors: procarbazine can cross the blood-brain barrier and is effective in treating brain tumors.

Lymphoma: procarbazine is sometimes used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

procarbazine

No data available for drug.

DRUG INTERACTION

procarbazine

&

procarbazine +

Contraindicated

Serious Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

procarbazine

No data available for drug.

DRUG INTERACTION

procarbazine

&

procarbazine +

Contraindicated

Serious Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

medtigo

procarbazine

Brand Name :

Synonyms :

Class :

Action and Spectrum

Dosing & Uses

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

CONTACT INFORMATION

ADDRESS

JOIN THE FASTEST GROWING HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY!