Chlorambucil
Also known as: Leukeran, Chloraminophene, Linfolysin
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Administration:** Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not change the dose or stop abruptly without consulting your vet. * **Safe Handling:** Because this is a chemotherapy drug, **wear gloves** when handling the tablets or suspension. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Pregnant women should avoid handling this medication entirely. * **What to Watch For:** Immediately report any signs of toxicity to your veterinarian. This includes abnormal bleeding, unexplained bruising, blood in urine or stool, severe lethargy, signs of infection (like fever), or shortness of breath. * **Monitoring:** Your pet will need regular blood tests to ensure the drug is not suppressing their bone marrow too much.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive therapy for glomerulonephritis
- Canine lymphoma (first level treatment when combination chemo is declined)
- Lymphoproliferative disease; macroglobulinemia
- Pemphigus complex
- Pemphigus complex
- Adjunctive treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Pemphigus complex
- Protein-losing enteropathy and other immune-mediated diseases
- Metronomic chemotherapy
- Refractory or severe IBD (Cats > 4 kg)
- Refractory or severe IBD (Cats < 4 kg)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Gastrointestinal toxicity (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Alopecia and delayed hair regrowth (especially in Poodles and Kerry Blue Terriers)
- Neurotoxicity (rare; facial twitching, myoclonus, agitation, seizures)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity or resistance to the drug
- Pregnancy (potential teratogen)
- > **Important Warnings:** * **Myelosuppression:** Use with extreme caution in patients with preexisting bone marrow depression or active infections. * **Toxicity:** Higher dosages increase the likelihood of toxicity. Nadirs usually occur within 7-14 days of starting therapy. * **Reproductive Safety:** Potential teratogen. Avoid during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks. Documented to cause irreversible infertility in male humans. * **Handling:** Caregivers should wear gloves when handling this medication to prevent accidental exposure.
Drug interactions
- Chloramphenicol: Additive bone marrow depression
- Flucytosine: Additive bone marrow depression
- Amphotericin B: Additive bone marrow depression
- Colchicine: Additive bone marrow depression
- Azathioprine: Increased risk of infection and immunosuppression
- Cyclophosphamide: Increased risk of infection and immunosuppression
- Cyclosporine: Increased risk of infection and immunosuppression
- Corticosteroids: Increased risk of infection and immunosuppression
- Hepatic cytochrome P450 stimulators: Increases cytotoxic effects of chlorambucil
- Prednisolone: Synergistic effect in the management of lymphoid neoplasia
Frequently asked questions
What is Chlorambucil used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Administration:** Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not change the dose or stop abruptly without consulting your vet. * **Safe Handling:** Because this is a chemotherapy drug, **wear gloves** when handling the tablets or suspension. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Pregnant women should avoid handling this medication entirely. * **What to Watch For:** Immediately report any signs of toxicity to your veterinarian. This includes abnormal bleeding, unexplained bruising, blood in urine or stool, severe lethargy, signs of infection (like fever), or shortness of breath. * **Monitoring:** Your pet will need regular blood tests to ensure the drug is not suppressing their bone marrow too much.
Is Chlorambucil safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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