Carmustine
Carmustine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
A cell-cycle phase nonspecific alkylating antineoplastic agent. It is used in the treatment of brain tumors and various other malignant neoplasms. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p462) This substance may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen according to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985). (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
Carmustine is one of the nitrosoureas indicated as palliative therapy as a single agent or in established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in treatment of brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Although it is generally agreed that carmustine alkylates DNA and RNA, it is not cross resistant with other alkylators. As with other nitrosoureas, it may also inhibit several key enzymatic processes by carbamoylation of amino acids in proteins.
| Trade Name | Carmustine |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Carmustine |
| Carmustine Other Names | BCNU, bis-chloroethylnitrosourea, Bischloroethyl nitrosourea, Carmustina, Carmustine, Carmustinum |
| Related Drugs | methotrexate, Keytruda, rituximab, pembrolizumab, Rituxan, doxorubicin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, Revlimid, Avastin |
| Weight | 7.7mg, 100mg |
| Type | Infusion, Implantation, Intravenous, Implant Device, Intravenous Powder For Injection, Injection/implant |
| Formula | C5H9Cl2N3O2 |
| Weight | Average: 214.05 Monoisotopic: 213.007181961 |
| Protein binding | 80% |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | Tillomed Laboratories Ltd |
| Available Country | United Kingdom, United States |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Carmustine is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of various malignancies, including brain tumours and multiple myeloma, among others.
For the treatment of brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Carmustine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Astrocytomas, Brain Stem Gliomas, Ependymomas, Glioblastomas, Medulloblastomas, Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme, Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma, Refractory Multiple Myeloma, Tumors Metastatic to Brain, High grade newly diagnosed Glioma, Refractory Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
How Carmustine works
Carmustine causes cross-links in DNA and RNA, leading to the inhibition of DNA synthesis, RNA production and RNA translation (protein synthesis). Carmustine also binds to and modifies (carbamoylates) glutathione reductase. This leads to cell death.
Toxicity
The oral LD50s in rat and mouse are 20 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg, respectively. Side effects include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea. Toxic effects include pulmonary fibrosis (20-0%) and bone marrow toxicity.
Food Interaction
- Avoid echinacea.
Carmustine Drug Interaction
Unknown: acetaminophen, acetaminophen, aspirin, aspirin, doxorubicin, doxorubicin, lorazepam, lorazepam, dexamethasone, dexamethasone, hydromorphone, hydromorphone, aprepitant, aprepitant, pregabalin, pregabalin, senna, senna, sertraline, sertraline
Carmustine Disease Interaction
Major: pulmonary infiltrates/fibrosis, infections, myelosuppressionModerate: renal dysfunctionMinor: hepatic dysfunction
Elimination Route
5 to 28% bioavailability
Half Life
15-30 minutes
Elimination Route
Approximately 60% to 70% of a total dose is excreted in the urine in 96 hours and about 10% as respiratory CO2.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Carmustine
