Fludarabine Phosphate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Fludarabine-Phosphate

Other Names

  • Fludara

Drug Class

  • Antineoplastic Agent
  • Antimetabolite

Chemical Formula

C10H13FN5O7P

Molecular Weight

365.211 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits DNA synthesis by interfering with the enzyme DNA polymerase

Indications

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Solution for injection

Typical Dosage

  • 25 mg/m2 orally daily for 5 days in a 28-day cycle

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustments may be necessary due to decreased renal function in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Infections
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to fludarabine or its components

Pregnancy Category

  • D - Positive evidence of risk

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended during breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • Allopurinol (increased toxicity)
  • Clozapine (increased risk of neutropenia)

Overdose Symptoms

  • Severe myelosuppression
  • Infection
  • Hemorrhage

Antidote for Overdose

  • There is no specific antidote, management is supportive

Storage Conditions

  • Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well-absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Distributes into red blood cells and is widely distributed into tissues
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to the active form
  • Excretion: Primarily excreted renally

Precautions

  • Monitor blood cell counts regularly
  • Increase risk of opportunistic infections

Warnings

  • Increased risk of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • May cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy

Others

  • It is essential to have a complete blood count before starting treatment and regularly during therapy.