Cytarabine
Also known as: Cytosar-U, DepoCyt, Tarabine PFS, Ara-C
Cytarabine is a potent chemotherapy drug. * **Toxicity Risks:** Be aware of the potential for severe toxicity, including life-threatening complications or drug-related mortality. * **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits profound depression, lethargy, abnormal bleeding (e.g., bleeding gums, nosebleeds), bruising, fever, or severe gastrointestinal upset. * **Safe Handling:** Because this is a hazardous drug, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding the safe handling of your pet's waste (urine/feces) for a few days following treatment.
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
- Susceptible neoplastic diseases
- Neoplastic diseases
- Susceptible neoplastic diseases
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Oral ulceration
- Neurotoxicity
- Hepatotoxicity
- Fever
- Anaphylaxis (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cytarabine
- Pregnancy (potentially teratogenic and embryotoxic)
- Cytarabine is a mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic agent. It should only be used in patients who can be adequately and regularly monitored. Personnel preparing or administering the drug must wear gloves and follow hazardous drug handling protocols. Wash skin or mucous membranes thoroughly if contamination occurs.
Drug interactions
- Digoxin: Cytarabine may decrease the amount of digoxin (tablets only) absorbed after oral dosing due to intestinal mucosa alterations; effect may persist for several days after cytarabine discontinuation.
- Flucytosine (5-FC): Cytarabine may antagonize the anti-infective activity of flucytosine; monitor for decreased efficacy.
- Gentamicin: Cytarabine may antagonize the anti-infective activity of gentamicin; monitor for decreased efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cytarabine used for in pets?
Cytarabine is a potent chemotherapy drug. * **Toxicity Risks:** Be aware of the potential for severe toxicity, including life-threatening complications or drug-related mortality. * **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits profound depression, lethargy, abnormal bleeding (e.g., bleeding gums, nosebleeds), bruising, fever, or severe gastrointestinal upset. * **Safe Handling:** Because this is a hazardous drug, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding the safe handling of your pet's waste (urine/feces) for a few days following treatment.
Is Cytarabine 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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