DACTINOMYCIN

Indications

Wilms tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma, carcinoma of testis & uterus.

Dosage

0.5 mg daily IV for max 5 days. Children: 15 mcg/kg of body wt. IV for 5 days.

Contra-Indications

Infection with chicken pox or herpes zoster. Lactation. Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Exercise caution when administering within two months of irradiation for the treatment of right sided wilms' tumour. Discontinue the administration of drug if stomatitis, diarrhoea or severe hemopoietic depression results. Pregnancy.

Side Effects

Cheilitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, ulcerative stomatitis, pharyngitis, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, GIT ulceration, liver toxicity including ascites, hepatomegaly, hepatitis, liver function test abnormalities, anaemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombopenia, pancytopenia, reticulopenia, alopecia, skin eruptions, acne, flare-up of erythema or increased pigmentation of previously irradiated skin. Malaise, fatigue, lethargy, fever, myalgia, proctitis and hypocalcaemia.

Drug Interactions

It may interfere with bioassay procedures for the determination of antibacterial drug levels.