Information about Imatinib

Generic Name : Imatinib
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Imatinib are provided here.

Pronunciation : i-MA-tin-ib

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Imatinib, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y43.3 Therapeutic Classification : Chemotherapy

Trade Names/Brand Names of Imatinib

India :

More info >>>

International :

Gleevec.

Why is Imatinib Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, prescribed for treating certain type of cancers such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells, acute lymphoblastic leukemia(cancer of the white blood cells), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and other cancers. It prevents the growth of cancer cells.

What is the dosage of Imatinib?

PO- Dose varies from 400mg/day to 800mg/day depending on condition. 400 to 600mg/day should be administered once daily, 800mg/day, should be administered twice daily.

How should Imatinib be taken?

Available in the form tablets, to take by mouth (orally) with a meal and glass of water (8 oz/240 ml).

What are the warnings and precautions for Imatinib?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with history of high blood pressure, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, heart, lung, thyroid or liver disease, smokers, street drug and heavy alcohol users.

Avoid excess dosage.

It may cause diarrhea during the treatment. Consult with your doctor if it does so.

Consult with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Imatinib?

Heart- Compression of the heart, inflammation of the pericardium and blood clot.
Central nervous System- Loss of strength, fatigue/lethargy, flu like symptoms, headache, dizziness, depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, decreased tactile sensibility, tingling, weakness, CNS hemorrhage and swelling of the brain.
Skin- Rash/desquamation, itching, baldness, sweating, dry skin, redness of the skin and flushing.
Eye and ENT- Eye edema, inflammation of the nose and pharynx, increased tears, pharynx and the esophagus pain, runny nose, blurred vision, bleeding in conjunctiva, dry eye and eyelid swelling.
Gastrointestinal- Nausea, dry mouth, gastritis, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, gastro esophageal reflux, GI bleeding, gas, intestinal obstruction, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, abdominal distention and tumor hemorrhage/tumor necrosis.
♦ Blood-Bleeding, decrease in white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, subdural hematoma (SDH).