Information about Dactinomycin
Generic Name : Dactinomycin
Pronunciation : dak ti noe mye' sin
Latest prescription information about Dactinomycin. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
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Trade Names/Brand Names of Dactinomycin
India :
International :
Cosmegen
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Why is Dactinomycin Prescribed? (Indications)
This medication is a cytotoxic chemotherapy, prescribed for Wilm's tumor, Ewing’s sarcoma and testicular cancer. This medication slows the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
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When should Dactinomycin not be taken? (Contraindications)
It should not be given in patients with chickenpox or herpes zoster, and hypersensitivity.
What is the dosage of Dactinomycin?
Adult: IV- Wilm's tumor; Ewing's sarcoma; Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma- 15 mcg/kg/day for 5 days in combination regimens.
Gestational trophoblastic tumours- 12 mcg/kg/day for 5 days as a single agent.
Metastatic nonseminomatous testicular cancer- 1 mg/m2 on day 1 of combination regimens.
How should Dactinomycin be taken?
It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.
What are the warnings and precautions for Dactinomycin?
• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of bone marrow problems, obesity, radiation therapy, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• It may cause nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite, if it so consult with your doctor.
• This medication may reduce platelet counts, avoid injury or bruising.
What are the side effects of Dactinomycin?
• Miscellaneous :
Uneasiness, fatigue, lethargy, fever, muscle pain, inflammation of the rectum, decreased calcium level in blood, growth retardation and infection.
• Lung : Lung inflammation.
• Gastrointestinal :
Loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulceration, mouth ulcer and inflammation of esophagus.
• Liver : Liver toxicity.
• Blood :
Anemia and decrease in blood counts.
• Skin :
Hair loss, skin eruptions, pimples and redness.
What are the other precautions for Dactinomycin?
Avoid vaccination during therapy.
Monitor liver function, kidney function and blood counts regularly while taking this medication.
What are the storage conditions for Dactinomycin?
Intravenous: Store it at room temperature (25°C).
