Vincristine Sulfate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Vincristine Sulfate

Other Names

  • Oncovin
  • Vincasar PFS

Drug Class

  • Vinca Alkaloid

Chemical Formula

C46H56N4O10S

Molecular Weight

824.04 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits microtubule formation in mitotic spindle, arresting cell division

Indications

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Hodgkin's disease
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphomas
  • Wilms tumor
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Multiple myeloma

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 1.4 mg/m2 (maximum 2 mg) IV weekly for most indications

Pediatric Dosage

  • 1.5-2 mg/m2 IV weekly for pediatric patients

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustments may be needed based on individual patient factors

Side Effects

  • Neurotoxicity
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Bone marrow suppression

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to vincristine or any component of the formulation
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
  • In cases of impaired hepatic or renal function

Pregnancy Category

  • D

Lactation Safety

  • L3 - Considered moderately safe while breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors
  • Phenytoin
  • St. John's Wort
  • Digoxin

Overdose Symptoms

  • Neurological toxicity
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms

Antidote for Overdose

  • There is no specific antidote, management is supportive

Storage Conditions

  • Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F), excursions permitted between 15-30°C (59-86°F)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after IV administration
  • Distribution: Highly protein-bound, widely distributed
  • Metabolism: Primarily hepatic
  • Excretion: Primarily via biliary excretion

Precautions

  • Monitor for neurotoxicity
  • Monitor blood counts regularly
  • Avoid extravasation during IV administration

Warnings

  • Severe neurotoxicity can occur, dose adjustments may be necessary based on toxicity levels

Others

  • It is essential to administer vincristine sulfate under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in the use of chemotherapeutic medications.