Cytarabine

Products

Cytarabine is commercially available as an injectable. It has been approved in many countries since 1971.

Structure and properties

Cytarabine (C₉H₁₃N₃O₅, M_r = 243.2 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. It is a synthetic pyrimidine.

Effects

Cytarabine (ATC L01BC01) has cytotoxic properties. It is a pyrimidine antagonist.

Indications

• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is injected intravenously, subcutaneously or intrathecally.

Contraindications

Cytarabine is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity. For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been described with cardiac glycosides, gentamycin, and fluorocytosine.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include bone marrow depression with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, oral ulceration, and liver dysfunction.