VINBLASTINE

Indications

i)Testicular, ii)Hodgkin's disease, iii)Other lymphomas, iv)Inoperable malignant neoplasms of the breast, bladder, & cervix, v) Neuroblastoma, vi) Choriocarcinoma, vii) Kaposi's sarcoma.

Dosage

Adults : Slow I.V.injection (1mg/ml of Nacl) 100mg/kg/week, increased by 50 mcg/kg uptomax 500mcg/kg or until the WBC count has fallen to 3000/c.m2 Maint : Given every 7-14 days.(1 increment smaller than the max.dose) Children : increased by1.25mg/sq.m. weekly to a max of 7.5mg sq.m.

Contra-Indications

Intrathecal administration, Severe granulocytopenia, Systemic infections, Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary. Pregnancy: Contraindicated. Lactation: Contraindicated. Elderly: Use with caution.

Side Effects

Bone marrrow depression, stomatitis, G.I.bleeding, Leukopenia, Alopecia, Constipation, HT, Malaise, Bone pain.

Drug Interactions

Paracetamol increases hepatotoxicity, Anticonvulsants decrease anticonvulsant levels.