Capecitabine

Generic Details

Generic Name

Capecitabine

Other Names

  • Xeloda

Drug Class

  • Antineoplastic agent
  • Antimetabolite

Chemical Formula

C15H22N2O6

Molecular Weight

314.35 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Capecitabine is a prodrug that is selectively activated in tumor tissue to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a cytotoxic antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis and cell division.

Indications

  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Gastric cancer

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • The typical adult dose is 1250 mg/m2 orally twice daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week rest period.

Pediatric Dosage

  • Limited data available; dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustments may be necessary in elderly patients due to age-related changes in renal function.

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hand-foot syndrome
  • Fatigue
  • Mucositis

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to capecitabine or fluoropyrimidines
  • Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min)

Pregnancy Category

  • D

Lactation Safety

  • Lactation risk not known; use caution or avoid

Drug Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Phenytoin
  • Sorivudine
  • Fluorouracil, leucovorin

Overdose Symptoms

  • Severe GI toxicity
  • Myelosuppression

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote; general supportive measures

Storage Conditions

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

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly and extensively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Distribution: Undergoes conversion to 5-FU in tissues including tumors
  • Metabolism: Primarily hepatic to 5-FU
  • Excretion: Mainly in urine

Precautions

  • Monitor blood counts regularly during treatment
  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment

Warnings

  • May cause hand-foot syndrome; monitor for signs and symptoms