Ifosfamide
Also known as: Ifex, Holoxan, Holaxane, Mitoxana, Asoifos, Cuantil, Duvaxan, Fentul, IFO-cell, IFX, Ifocris, Ifolem, Ifomida, Ifos, Ifosmixan, Ifoxan, Seromida, Troxanol
> **Important Safety Warning**: Ifosfamide is a potent chemotherapy drug with a high risk of severe side effects. It is often used as an investigational treatment in veterinary medicine. - **Handling Precautions**: This drug is excreted in your pet's bodily fluids. **Avoid direct contact with your pet's saliva or urine for at least 24 hours** after treatment. Use gloves when cleaning up waste. - **Side Effects**: Watch closely for signs of infection, bleeding, vomiting, or neurological changes (confusion, extreme sleepiness, or abnormal behavior). - **Hospitalization**: Treatment requires long intravenous infusions with extra fluids and protective medications (mesna) to safeguard the bladder and kidneys.
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
- Vaccine-related sarcomas
- Neoplasia
- Lymphomas and soft tissue sarcomas
- Lymphomas and soft tissue sarcomas
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia at 5-7 days, potentially delayed to 14-21 days; thrombocytopenia)
- Hemorrhagic cystitis (bladder epithelial damage)
- Nephrotoxicity (proximal and distal tubular damage, electrolyte abnormalities)
- Volume overload and pulmonary edema (secondary to required saline diuresis)
- Neurotoxicity (somnolence, confusion, coma, encephalopathy)
- Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, anorexia)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Alopecia
- Abnormal liver function tests
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ifosfamide
- Severely depressed bone marrow function
- Active hemorrhagic cystitis
- Because of its toxicity, ifosfamide should only be used by clinicians experienced with cytotoxic agents. Must be used in conjunction with mesna and saline diuresis to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis and nephrotoxicity. Use with extreme caution in patients with impaired renal function or preexisting cardiac disease (due to volume overload risk). Handle and dispose of as a hazardous cytotoxic drug. FDA Category D for pregnancy (teratogenic and fetotoxic).
Drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam): May increase concentrations of active ifosfamide and increase toxicity (demonstrated in mice; clinical significance in veterinary patients undetermined)
- Cisplatin: Ifosfamide may enhance cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
- Myelosuppressive drugs (chloramphenicol, flucytosine, amphotericin B, colchicine, other antineoplastics): Additive myelosuppression
Frequently asked questions
What is Ifosfamide used for in pets?
> **Important Safety Warning**: Ifosfamide is a potent chemotherapy drug with a high risk of severe side effects. It is often used as an investigational treatment in veterinary medicine. - **Handling Precautions**: This drug is excreted in your pet's bodily fluids. **Avoid direct contact with your pet's saliva or urine for at least 24 hours** after treatment. Use gloves when cleaning up waste. - **Side Effects**: Watch closely for signs of infection, bleeding, vomiting, or neurological changes (confusion, extreme sleepiness, or abnormal behavior). - **Hospitalization**: Treatment requires long intravenous infusions with extra fluids and protective medications (mesna) to safeguard the bladder and kidneys.
Is Ifosfamide 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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