Etoposide

Generic Name

Etoposide

Other Names

• Vepesid
• Toposar

Drug Class

• Topoisomerase Inhibitor

Chemical Formula

C29H32O13

Molecular Weight

588.57 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

• Inhibition of topoisomerase II enzyme

Indications

• Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Lymphomas
• Leukemias

Common Dosage Forms

• Capsule
• Solution for Injection

Typical Dosage

• 50-100 mg/m2 IV on days 1-5 in a 21-day cycle

Pediatric Dosage

• Doses based on body surface area

Geriatric Dosage

• May require dosage adjustment based on renal function

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair Loss
• Bone marrow suppression
• Secondary Leukemia

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to etoposide
• Severe liver impairment

Pregnancy Category

• D

Lactation Safety

• Limited data available, caution advised

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin
• Phenytoin
• Live vaccines

Overdose Symptoms

• Myelosuppression
• Mucositis
• Severe GI toxicity

Antidote for Overdose

• No specific antidote, manage symptomatically

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature (20-25°C)

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Rapid and complete when given orally
• Distribution: Highly protein-bound
• Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4
• Excretion: Mainly in feces

Precautions

• Monitor blood counts regularly
• Use with caution in renal impairment

Warnings

• Risk of severe myelosuppression
• Secondary leukemias have been reported

Others

• Administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional