Busulphan (Busulphan)
Overview of Busulphan
Busulphan is a bifunctional cytotoxic alkylating agent and prototype agent of alkyl sulfonates. Busulphan is a antineoplastic agent, also known as anticancerous drug, unrelated to nitrogen mustards. All alkylating agents have or can form an alkyl group that becomes covalently bound to cellular constituents. Busulphan is used in combination of different types of anticancerous drugs to obtain better therapeutic effects and to reduce the side effects or toxicities.
Indication of Busulphan
Busulphan is primarily indicated in conditions like Chronic myeloid leukaemia, Granulocytic leukemia, Polycythemia vera, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Myelofibrosis, Thrombocythaemia.
Contraindication of Busulphan
Busulphan is contraindicated in conditions like Anaemia,Thrombocytopenia,Leukopenia.
Side Effects of Busulphan
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Busulphan, which give rise to further complications include Hyperpigmentation, Addison's disease.,Busulphan produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Bone marrow suppression, Thrombocytopenia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Busulphan therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Busulphan include Hematological toxicity.
Precautions of Busulphan
Busulphan is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. Immunosuppressant drug should not be given, where possible, to patients with acute infection, dosage reduction or withdrawal should be considered if infection develops, until the infection has been controlled. Blood counts and measurement of hemoglobin concentration should be carried out routinely; it helps to predict the onset of bone marrow depression. It must be handled with great care and avoid contact with skin and eyes and should not be inhaled.