Cytarabine Hcl (Cytarabine Hcl)
Overview of Cytarabine Hcl
Cytarabine is an antineoplastic agent, also called as anticancerous drug. Cytarabine Hcl is analog of cytidine in which the ribose moiety has been replaced with an arabinose. It belongs to class of antimetabolite. Antimetabolites are the compounds that bear a structural similarity to a naturally occuring substance, such as vitamin, nucleoside or amino acid. Cytarabine Hcl is effective in the treatment of different cancers such as acute granulocytic, myelomonocytic, or monocytic leukemias to slow or stop the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. Cytarabine Hcl is used in combination with different anticancerous drugs to obtain excellent therapeutic effects and minimize unwanted effects or toxicities.
Indication of Cytarabine Hcl
Cytarabine Hcl is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute granulocytic leukemia, Acute leukemia, Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Glioma, Lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, Mesothelioma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Ovarian cancer.
Contraindication of Cytarabine Hcl
Cytarabine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side Effects of Cytarabine Hcl
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Cytarabine (HCl), which give rise to further complications include CNS toxicity.,Cytarabine (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary toxicity, CNS disturbances, Diarrhea, Dementia, Fits, Cerebral dysfunction. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Cytarabine (HCl) therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Cytarabine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Abnormal LFT, Impaired renal function, Intense vomiting.
Precautions of Cytarabine Hcl
Cytarabine should be used with caution and in low doses in patients with impaired liver, kidneys or with pre-existing drug induced bone marrow suppression. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.