Cyclophosphamide (Cyclophosphamide)
Overview of Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is a cytotoxic alkylating agent of the nitrogen mustard group. Cyclophosphamide is anticancerous or antineoplastic drug. All alkylating agent have or can form an alkyl group that becomes covalently bound to cellular constituents. Cyclophosphamide is effective in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. Cyclophosphamide is used in combination with different anticancerous drugs to obtain the excellent therapeutic effects and to minimize side effects or toxicities. It also has immunosuppressant properties and Cyclophosphamide is the most potent immunosuppressive agent that has been synthesized.
Indication of Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is primarily indicated in conditions like Cancer, Malignant lymphoma, Multiple myeloma, Organ transplantation, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Carcinoma of male breast, Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma, Immunosuppression, Retinoblastoma.
Contraindication of Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is contraindicated in conditions like Infections,Myelosuppression.
Side Effects of Cyclophosphamide
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Cyclophosphamide, which give rise to further complications include Cystitis, Infertility.,Cyclophosphamide produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Carcinogenicity, Cardiac arrhythmias, Myelosuppression, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Heart failure, Pulmonary fibrosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Cyclophosphamide therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Cyclophosphamide include Heart failure., Cardiac arrhythmias, Myelosuppression, Thrombocytopenia, Chemical cystitis.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Cyclophosphamide are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Alopecia, Skin rashes, Fall in urinary output, Hyperpigmentation, Alopecia, Skin rashes.
Precautions of Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide should be used with caution in patients with any blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease or allergies, including drug allergies. Avoid touching eyes or inside nose without first washing hands for the duration of this treatment. It should be used with caution while using sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations or vaccinations without consent of the doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. This medication can lower body's ability to fight an infection, consult the doctor if signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or chills appear. Cyclophosphamide is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.