Actinomycin D (Actinomycin D)
Overview of Actinomycin D
Actinomycin D is a highly toxic antibiotic with antineoplastic properties. Actinomycin D is isolated from Streptomyces chrysomallus and other species of Streptomyces. It contains two cyclic polypeptide that are linked by a chromophore moiety. Actinomycin D is effective in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancerous or abnormal cells. Actinomycin D is used in combination owith different anticancerous drugs to obtain best therapeutic results and to reduce toxicity or side effects. It also has immunosuppressant properties.
Indication of Actinomycin D
Actinomycin D is primarily indicated in conditions like Choriocarcinoma, Ovarian teratoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Testicular teratoma, Wilms tumor, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Ewing's sarcoma, Neuroblastoma.
Contraindication of Actinomycin D
Actinomycin D is contraindicated in conditions like Chickenpox infection,Anaphylactic reactions.
Side Effects of Actinomycin D
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Actinomycin D, which give rise to further complications include Radiosensitization effect on thorax, Skin inflammation, Esophageal inflammation.,Actinomycin D produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Bone marrow suppression, Neutropenic fever, Anaphylactic reactions. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Actinomycin D therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Actinomycin D include Severe vomiting, Mucositis, Diarrhea, Severe myelosuppression.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Actinomycin D are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Alopecia, Diarrhea, Mucositis, Fever, Myalgia, Abdominal pain, Hypocalcemia, Reaction at injection site.
Precautions of Actinomycin D
Use with caution in patients with pre-existing blood disorders, gout, dental disease, liver disease or heart disease. This medication is classified as pregnancy category C and should be used during pregnancy or lactation only if clearly needed.