Products
Cytarabine is commercially available as an injectable. It has been approved in many countries since 1971.
Structure and properties
Cytarabine (C9H13N3O5, Mr = 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.