Bleomycin (Bleomycin)
Overview of Bleomycin
Bleomycin is a cell cycle-phase specific drug from the antibiotic class of antineoplastic drugs. its mechanism of action and spectrum of activity differentiate it from the other drugs in this class such as doxorubicin and etoposide. Bleomycin is produced by Streptomyces verticillus. The mixture of glycopeptides found in this extract are collectively reffered as it. A mixture of 11 different glycopeptide is used in therapy with the major components being it A2 and it B2.it exerts its chemotherapeutic effects by causing scission of single- and double-stranded DNA. Bleomycin is used in combination of different types of anticancerous drugs to obtain better therapeutic results and to reduce the side effects or toxicity.
Indication of Bleomycin
Bleomycin is primarily indicated in conditions like Germ cell tumors, Hodgkin's disease, Intracavitary malignant effusions, Metastatic germ cell cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma of cervix, Squamous cell carcinoma of head, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Brain tumors, Warts.
Contraindication of Bleomycin
Bleomycin is contraindicated in conditions like Pulmonary infection,Pregnancy,Breast feeding.
Side Effects of Bleomycin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Bleomycin, which give rise to further complications include Myelosuppressive effect, Mucocutaneous toxicity.,Bleomycin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary toxicity, Respiratory Failure. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Bleomycin therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Bleomycin include Hypotension, Tachycardia, Fever.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Bleomycin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Alopecia, Anorexia, Mucositis, Fever, Chills, Rashes, Stomatitis, Mental confusion, SweatingX, Hypotension, Hyperthermia, Pruritis.
Precautions of Bleomycin
Bleomycin should be used with caution in patients with kidney, liver or lungs diseases. Before having surgery of any kind or emergency treatment, inform the doctor or dentist about the use of the drug. This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.