Gemcitabine

Generic Details

Generic Name

Gemcitabine

Other Names

  • Gemzar

Drug Class

  • Antimetabolite

Chemical Formula

C9H11F2N3O4

Molecular Weight

263.20 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits DNA synthesis by interfering with the building blocks of DNA

Indications

  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Bladder cancer

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injectable solution

Typical Dosage

  • 1000 mg/m^2 infused over 30 minutes once a week for several weeks

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Geriatric Dosage

  • Adjust dosage based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood cell counts

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to gemcitabine
  • Severe renal impairment

Pregnancy Category

  • Category D - Positive evidence of risk

Lactation Safety

  • Unknown if excreted in breast milk, caution advised

Drug Interactions

  • Cisplatin
  • Paclitaxel
  • Fluorouracil

Overdose Symptoms

  • Myelosuppression
  • Mucositis
  • Hematuria

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care

Storage Conditions

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

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapid and complete after intravenous administration
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Mainly eliminated through the kidneys

Precautions

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

Warnings

  • Risk of myelosuppression
  • Risk of infection

Others

  • Gemcitabine is a prodrug that requires intracellular activation to exert its cytotoxic effects.