Irinotecan

Indications
 Intravenous
Refractory colorectal malignancies
Adult: 125 mg/m2 infused IV over 90 min once wkly for 4 wk followed by a 2 wk rest period. Or, 350 mg/m2 infused IV over 90 min repeated once every 3 wk.
Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be necessary.
Intravenous
Metastatic colorectal cancer
Adult: As 1st line treatment: 125 mg/m2 infused IV over 90 min on days 1,8,15 and 22 of a 6 wk cycle. Alternatively 180 mg/m2 infused IV over 90 min on days 1,15 and 29 of a 6 wk cycle.
Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be necessary.

Reconstitution: Dilute in 5% dextrose injection (preferred) or 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a final concentration of 0.12-2.8 mg/ml.
Contraindications
 Inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, severe hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Warnings / Precautions
 Previous pelvic/abdominal irradiation; elderly; Raised plasma-bilirubin concentration; severe myelosuppression. Avoid extravasation.
Adverse Reactions
 Neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia; acute diarrhoea, sweating, hypersalivation, abdominal cramps, lachrymation, miosis, weakness; nausea, vomiting, alopecia and skin reactions; cardiovascular toxicity.
Potentially Fatal: Fatal sepsis due to myelosuppression; severe, chronic diarrhoea.
Drug Interactions
 Diuretics increase risks of dehydration secondary to vomiting/diarrhoea; prophylactic dexamethasone as an antiemetic may enhance lymphocytopenia; prochlorperazine may increase incidence of akathisia; antineoplastic agents (myelosuppression and diarrhoea). St John's wort, ketoconazole may reduce irinotecan exposure.
See Below for More irinotecan Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Actions
 Irinotecan, a derivative of camptothecin, works by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I thereby interfering with the coiling and uncoiling of DNA during replication and causing irreparable damage.
Distribution: Irinotecan is moderately bound to plasma albumin (approx 65%) and SN-38 is extensively bound (approx 95%).
Metabolism: Converted to active metabolite SN-38 via hydrolysis in the liver.
Excretion: Both biliary and urinary excretion. SN-38 primarily removed by glucuronidation. Elimination half life of 6-12 hr.
ATC Classification
 L01XX19 - irinotecan ; Belongs to the class of other antineoplastic agents. Used in the treatment of cancer.
Available As
  • Irinotecan 100 mg
  • Irinotecan 40 mg

    • Subscribe for latest updates

    Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

    No comments yet.

    Post Review about Irinotecan


    Irinotecan Containing Brands

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.

    Irinotecan is used in following diseases

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.

    Drug - Drug Interactions of Irinotecan

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.