Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Hycamtin
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
Topotecan
Class :
Class: Antineoplastic agents and Subclass: Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Brand Name :
Hycamtin
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
Topotecan
Class :
Class: Antineoplastic agents and Subclass: Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Dosage Forms & Strengths:  Â
Powder for injection  Â
4mg per vial  Â
Capsule  Â
0.25mg  Â
1mg  Â
1mg per ml  Â
1.5
mg/m^2
Intravenous (IV)
over 30 minutes once a day for five consecutive days of a 21-day course
2.3 mg/m2 orally given once a day for 1-5 consecutive days of a 21-day course
1.5
mg/m^2
Intravenous (IV)
over 30 minutes once a day for five consecutive days of a 21-day course
0.75
mg/m^2
Intravenous (IV)
over 30 minutes on days 1, 2, and 3 of each 21-day course
may increase the toxic effect of granulocyte colony stimulating factors
may inhibit P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter by reducing the concentrations and activities
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects   
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of infection can be increased   
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of neutropenia   
When both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of Deferiprone and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
When both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration 
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased effect of immunosuppressive activity of Fingolimod.  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased therapeutic efficacy of the rotavirus vaccine   
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of infection   
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased therapeutic efficacy of the smallpox vaccine  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of infection  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased therapeutic efficacy of the varicella-zoster vaccine
trilaciclib decreases the efficacy of topotecan
topotecan: they may enhance the serum concentration of glycoprotein Inhibitors
BCRP/ABCG2 Inhibitors increase the concentration of topotecan in serum
it enhances by affecting the P-Glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter
may enhance the serum concentration of BRCP/ABCG2 inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of elbasvir/grazoprevir
may enhance the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of BCRP/ABCG2 inhibitors
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of infection  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in a high level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in a high level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased effect of immunosuppressive activity of Topotecan  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in a high level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced therapeutic efficacy of Palifermin   
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of neutropenia  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced therapeutic efficacy of sipuleucel-T  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of myelosuppression    
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan and result in an elevated level of serum concentration  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan   
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan  
it may diminish the metabolism when combined with aripiprazole lauroxil
it may increase the levels of serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) Substrates
it may increase the levels of serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) Substrates
it may increase the levels of serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) Substrates
it may increase the levels of serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) Substrates
it may increase the levels of serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) Substrates
It may enhance the effect when combined with tafamidis meglumine
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects   
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects 
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may decrease the levels of serum concentrations
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may diminish the excretion rate of each other when combined
when lenograstim is taken with topotecan, the risk or severity of neutropenia can be enhanced
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced excretion rate of topotecan  
Topotecan is a semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin and functions as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. It binds to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex, preventing the re-ligation of single-strand DNA breaks. This inhibition leads to DNA damage and cell death, particularly affecting cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle.Â
Adverse drug reactions:   Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%  Â
Anemia  Â
Febrile neutropenia   Â
Neutropenia  Â
Thrombocytopenia  Â
1-10%  Â
Abdominal pain   Â
Asthenia  Â
Constipation  Â
Dyspnea  Â
Diarrhea  Â
Fatigue  Â
Nausea  Â
Intestinal obstruction  Â
Sepsis  Â
Vomiting
Topotecan should be given only to patients with neutrophil counts ≥1500 cells/mmÂł and platelet counts ≥100,000 cells/mmÂł. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential to detect bone marrow suppression.Â
ContraindicationsÂ
History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to topotecan, including anaphylactoid reactions .Â
Cautions:Â
Topotecan should be used in patients with bone marrow suppression only if they have sufficient marrow reserves. Regular monitoring of blood counts is necessary, and dosing should be adjusted based on neutrophil, platelet, and hemoglobin levels. Do not re-administer if the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is below 1500/mmÂł or platelets are below 100,000/mmÂł.Â
Avoid use during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm. Neutropenia, pancytopenia, severe thrombocytopenia (grade 4), and anemia (grade 3–4) have been reported.Â
Serious complications include fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), particularly in patients with predisposing conditions (e.g., existing ILD, lung cancer, thoracic radiation, or use of pneumotoxic agents). Discontinue permanently if ILD is confirmed.Â
In the case of extravasation, stop the infusion immediately and follow proper management protocols.Â
If a patient vomits a capsule, the dose should not be repeated. Oral administration may also cause severe diarrhea, which should be treated promptly with antidiarrheals.Â
Pregnancy warnings:   Â
Breastfeeding warnings:   Â
Pregnancy Categories:     Â
Topotecan is a semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin that exerts its anticancer effects by stabilizing the DNA-topoisomerase I complex. This stabilization prevents the re-ligation of single-strand breaks in DNA, which are normally repaired during DNA replication. The resulting collision of replication forks with the stabilized ternary complex (topoisomerase I–DNA–topotecan) leads to DNA damage and cell death, making topotecan a potent cytotoxic agent.Â
PharmacokineticsÂ
AbsorptionÂ
Topotecan has an oral bioavailability of approximately 40%, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 1 to 2 hours after administration.Â
DistributionÂ
 It exhibits around 35% protein binding in plasma.Â
MetabolismÂ
Topotecan undergoes hepatic metabolism.Â
Elimination/ExcretionÂ
The drug has a terminal half-life of 2–3 hours when given intravenously and 3–6 hours orally. After oral administration, about 35% is excreted in feces and 22% in urine. With IV dosing, 20% is eliminated via feces and 54% through urine.Â
PharmacodynamicsÂ
Topotecan is a semi-synthetic analog of camptothecin, derived from the Camptotheca acuminata tree. It acts as an anti-cancer agent by inhibiting DNA topoisomerase I—an enzyme essential for DNA replication, repair, and transcription. The drug stabilizes the cleavable complex formed between topoisomerase I and DNA, preventing the re-ligation of single-stranded breaks. This interruption leads to DNA damage during replication, ultimately causing cancer cell death. Unlike irinotecan, topotecan is not a prodrug and mainly exists in its inactive carboxylate form at physiological pH. While targeting cancer cells, it may also impact normal cells, leading to side effects.
Intravenous (IV) AdministrationÂ
Â
Dilute topotecan in a minimum of 50 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection.Â
Infuse over 30 minutes.Â
Store diluted solutions at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for no more than 24 hours .Â
Oral AdministrationÂ
Available in capsule form; dosing varies based on indication and patient factors.Â
If vomiting occurs after oral dosing, do not retake the dose.Â
Pronunciation: to-po-te-can
Generic Name: topotecanÂ
Why do we use topotecan?Â
Topotecan injection is used to treat patients with metastatic ovarian cancer that has not responded to previous treatments. It is also prescribed for a specific type of lung cancer known as small cell lung cancer.Â
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