Mechlorethamine (Mechlorethamine)
Overview of Mechlorethamine
Mechlorethamine also known as mustine, nitrogen mustard, and HN2, is the prototype anticancer chemotherapeutic drug. Successful clinical use of mechlorethamine gave birth to the field of anticancer chemotherapy. The drug is an analogue of mustard gas and was derived from toxic gas warfare research. It belongs to the group of nitrogen mustard alkylating agents. Alkylating agents work by three different mechanisms all of which achieve the same end result - disruption of DNA function and cell death.
Indication of Mechlorethamine
Mechlorethamine is primarily indicated in conditions like Hodgkin's disease, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Bronchogenic carcinoma, Lymphosarcoma, Metastatic carcinoma, Polycythemia vera.
Contraindication of Mechlorethamine
Mechlorethamine is contraindicated in conditions like Anaphylactic reactions.
Side Effects of Mechlorethamine
The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Mechlorethamine include Anemia, Jaundice, Leucopenia, Hypersensitivity reactions, Thrombocytopenia, Jaundice, Granulocytopenia, Bone marrow depression.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Mechlorethamine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Vertigo, Drowsiness, Alopecia, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Depression, Nausea and vomiting, Alopecia.
Precautions of Mechlorethamine
Careful clinical judgment must be exercised in selecting patients. If the indication for its use is not clear, the drug should not be used. This drug is HIGHLY TOXIC and both powder and solution must be handled and administered with care. Appropriate protective equipment should be worn when handling MUSTARGEN. Should accidental eye contact occur, copious irrigation for at least 15 minutes with water, normal saline or a balanced salt ophthalmic irrigating solution should be instituted immediately, followed by prompt ophthalmologic consultation.Great care must be taken to avoid contact with eyes. Should accidental skin contact occur, the affected part must be irrigated immediately with copious amounts of water, for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes, followed by 2% sodium thiosulfate solution. Medical attention should be sought immediately. Contaminated clothing should be destroyed.