Description
Description
This page contains brief details about the drug irinotecan, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Date of Approval
Irinotecan is an anti-cancer drug that belongs to the camptothecin analogs. The FDA approved it on August 24, 2004, to treat colon and rectum metastatic carcinoma.
Mechanism of Action of Irinotecan
Irinotecan works by converting its active metabolite with the help of liver enzymes and inhibits the Topoisomerase I enzyme. This causes damage to the DNA synthesis and its replication, thus preventing the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Uses of Irinotecan
Irinotecan is a topoisomerase enzyme inhibitor used as a first-line therapy in combination with other anti-cancer medications to treat colon and rectum cancers and extensive-stage non-small cell lung cancer. It is also indicated to treat gastric cancers. Irinotecan is currently under investigation to treat ovarian and cervical cancer.
Irinotecan Dosage available
Irinotecan is a prescription drug available as an injection to be administered for over 90 minutes intravenously (into the vein), followed by other chemotherapeutic drugs. The drug will be prescribed and administered by the healthcare professional. It is normally administered no more than once a week, according to the schedule, on which days you receive irinotecan and on which days you dont receive the medication. Your doctor will determine the optimum schedule for you. Antiemetic medications may be given priorly to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with the treatment.
