Chlorambucil (Chlorambucil)
Overview of Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent of nitrogen mustard group, also known as anti-cancerous drug. All alkylating agents have or can form an alkyl group that becomes covalently bound to cellular constituents. Chlorambucil is effective in the treatment of different cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphosarcoma. Aministered orally. Chlorambucil is used in combination with other anticancerous drugs to obtain best therapeutic effects and to minimize side effects or toxicities.
Indication of Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil is primarily indicated in conditions like Breast cancer, Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease, Leukaemia, Macroglobulinemia, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Ovarian cancer, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia.
Contraindication of Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil is contraindicated in conditions like Thrombocytopenia,Leukopenia.
Side Effects of Chlorambucil
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Chlorambucil, which give rise to further complications include Hepatotoxicity, Marrow failure, Amenorrhea, Azoospermia, Hepatotoxicity, Ovarian function suppression.,Chlorambucil produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Bone marrow suppression, Neutropenia, Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, Chromosome damage, Lymphocytopenia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Chlorambucil therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Chlorambucil include Neurotoxicity, Ataxia, Grand Mal Seizures (epilepsy), Irreversible marrow failure, Agitation.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Chlorambucil are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Skin rash, Oral ulceration, Hypersensitivity reactions, Cystitis, Abdominal discomfort, Stevens Johnson syndrome.
Precautions of Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil can lower body ability to fight an infection, consult the doctor if any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or chills appear. It should be used with caution in patients with gout, kidney stones or history of seizure or head injury. Do not have immunizations or vaccinations without consent of doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women There is leucopenia or thrombocytopenia due to marrow infilteration of secondary to previous cytotoxic chemotherapy.Treatment with this any may couse furthure supperssion .So, should be given with caution after radiotherapy.