Carmustine (Carmustine)
Overview of Carmustine
Carmustine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent of the nitrosourea group. Chemically Carmustine is 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). All alkylating agent have or can form an alkyl group that becomes covalently bound to cellular constituents. Carmustine is anticancer drug and effective in the treatment of tumors, Hodgkin's disease and certain cancers, used alone or in combination with different anticancer drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancerous or abnormal cells. Administered intravenously.
Indication of Carmustine
Carmustine is primarily indicated in conditions like Hodgkin's disease, Malignant brain tumours, Multiple myeloma, Myeloma, lymphoma and brain tumours, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Tumours.
Contraindication of Carmustine
Carmustine is contraindicated in conditions like Pre-existing lung disease.
Side Effects of Carmustine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Carmustine, which give rise to further complications include Pulmonary fibrosis, Fatal hepatotoxicity, Focal neurologic deficits.,Carmustine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Fibrosing alveolitis, Interstitial pneumonitis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Carmustine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Carmustine include Myelosuppression, Leucopenia.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Carmustine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Local irritation.
Precautions of Carmustine
Carmustine should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, breathing trouble, recent exposure to chicken pox or any allergy. This medication must be handled carefully because it can irritate the skin. Carmustine should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation.