Irinotecan
Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase I, can enzyme involved in DNA replication.Metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum when disease has progressed or recurred following 5-FU therapy.
Varies in weekly and once every three week schedule. All dosages are to be administered as IV infusion over 90 minutes. Weekly dose schedule : The usual starting dose is 125mg/m2; patients should be carefully monitored for toxicity. Subsequent doses may be adjusted to as high as 150mg/m2. Once every three weeks dosage schedule : The usual starting dose is 350mg/m2; patients should be carefully monitored for toxicity. Subsequent doses may be adjusted to as low as 200mg/m2.
Known hypersensitivity to irinotecan.
Abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea. Leukopenia, neutropenia, anaemia, haemorrhage. Body pain, asthenia, insomnia, dizziness.
Other antineoplastic agents : Side effects like diarrhoea and myelosuppression may be exacerbated. Dexamethasone : Lymphocytopenia has been observed when coadministered. Diuretics : Because of possibility of causing dehydration with diarrhoea, caution should be observed in the use of irinotecan with diuretics.
