← Search & browse all drugs
ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS › CYTOTOXIC ANTIBIOTICS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES › Anthracyclines and related substances
epirubicin
L01DB03
Forms & Strengths
- Injection: 50mg, 100mg vials
- Lyoophilized powder for injection: 50mg, 100mg vials
- Solution for injection: 2mg/mL, 10mL, 20mL, 25mL, 100mL
Adult Dosing
- Typical dose: 60-120 mg/m^2, IV, every 3-4 weeks
- Max dose: 120-150 mg/m^2 per cycle, up to 900 mg/m^2 cumulative
- Dose adjustments: based on ANC, platelet counts, liver function
Pediatric Dosing
- Limited data available for pediatric patients
- Doses up to 30 mg/m^2 in children with solid tumors, IV, every 3-4 weeks
- Use with caution, monitor closely for toxicity
Indications
- Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer
- Palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer
- Treatment of ovarian cancer, lymphomas, and other cancers
Mechanism of Action
- Interferes with DNA replication, transcription
- Inhibition of topoisomerase II
- Generation of free radicals, DNA damage
Contraindications
- Baseline neutrophil count < 1.5 x 10^9/L
- Severe heart failure, previous high-dose anthracyclines
- Hypersensitivity to epirubicin, other anthracyclines
Adverse Reactions
- Myelosuppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Cardiotoxicity (heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction)
- Gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea, vomiting, mucositis)
- Alopecia, extravasation causing local tissue damage
Drug Interactions
- Increased risk of cardiotoxicity with trastuzumab
- Potential for additive hematologic toxicity with other myelosuppressives
- CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase epirubicin plasma levels
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use