Melphalan
Also known as: Alkeran
- **Safe Handling:** This is a chemotherapy drug. Wear disposable gloves when handling the medication and when cleaning up your pet's waste (urine, feces, vomit) for several days after administration. - **Administration:** Give this medication on an **empty stomach**. **Do not crush, break, or split the tablets**. - **Monitoring:** Watch closely for signs of infection (fever, lethargy), unusual bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. - **Storage:** Keep the tablets in the refrigerator (2-8°C) in a tightly closed, light-protected container.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (leucopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pulmonary infiltrates
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Oral ulceration (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Bone marrow suppression
- Concurrent infection
- Impaired renal function
- > **Cytotoxic Handling:** Melphalan is a cytotoxic drug; refer to specialist texts for safe handling and administration of chemotherapeutic agents. > **Dosing Warning:** Take extreme care when dosing small dogs using their body surface area (BSA). There is a significant risk of overdose due to the fixed tablet sizes. **Tablets should not be split.** - **Administration:** Give tablets on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. - **Toxicity:** Myelosuppression is the dose-limiting toxicity; its effects may be prolonged and cumulative.
Drug interactions
- Cimetidine: Decreases the oral bioavailability of melphalan
- Steroids: Enhance the antitumour effects of melphalan
- Ciclosporin: Enhances the risk of renal toxicity (reported in humans)
Frequently asked questions
What is Melphalan used for in pets?
- **Safe Handling:** This is a chemotherapy drug. Wear disposable gloves when handling the medication and when cleaning up your pet's waste (urine, feces, vomit) for several days after administration. - **Administration:** Give this medication on an **empty stomach**. **Do not crush, break, or split the tablets**. - **Monitoring:** Watch closely for signs of infection (fever, lethargy), unusual bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. - **Storage:** Keep the tablets in the refrigerator (2-8°C) in a tightly closed, light-protected container.
Is Melphalan 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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