Streptozocin
Also known as: Zanosar
* **Purpose**: Your dog has been prescribed streptozocin to treat an **insulinoma** (a tumor of the pancreas that causes dangerously low blood sugar). * **Hospitalization Required**: Because this drug can be very hard on the kidneys, your dog will need to stay in the hospital to receive continuous IV fluids before, during, and after the treatment to flush the kidneys and protect them from damage. * **Side Effects**: Nausea and vomiting are very common. Your veterinarian will administer strong anti-nausea medications to keep your dog as comfortable as possible. * **Experimental Nature**: This is considered an 'investigational' or off-label treatment in veterinary medicine. Strict follow-up monitoring of blood sugar, kidney values, and blood counts is absolutely essential.
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
- Recurrent insulinoma after surgery (investigational)
- Pancreatic islet cell tumors
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Serious, permanent renal toxicity
- Severe and protracted vomiting and nausea
- Mild myelosuppression
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Severe tissue necrosis if extravasated (vesicant)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients without a confirmed histologic diagnosis of insulinoma
- Patients with completely resectable tumors
- Pregnancy (unless benefits outweigh risks; FDA Category C)
- > **CRITICAL WARNING**: Streptozocin is highly **nephrotoxic**. Aggressive IV saline diuresis is absolutely mandatory before, during, and after administration to prevent permanent renal failure. * Must be used with extreme caution in patients with decreased renal, bone marrow, or hepatic function. * **Vesicant**: Severe tissue necrosis will occur if the drug extravasates outside the vein. Ensure a perfectly placed, patent IV catheter. * **Nursing Safety**: It is unknown if it is excreted in milk. Consider using milk replacer due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing offspring.
Drug interactions
- Doxorubicin: Streptozocin may prolong the half-life of doxorubicin; dosage adjustment may be required.
- Myelosuppressive drugs (e.g., carmustine): Additive or synergistic myelosuppression may occur.
- Nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cisplatin): May cause additive nephrotoxicity when used concurrently.
- Niacinamide (nicotinamide): Can block the diabetogenic effects of streptozocin without altering its antineoplastic activity; this may be beneficial or detrimental depending on the clinical goal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Streptozocin used for in pets?
* **Purpose**: Your dog has been prescribed streptozocin to treat an **insulinoma** (a tumor of the pancreas that causes dangerously low blood sugar). * **Hospitalization Required**: Because this drug can be very hard on the kidneys, your dog will need to stay in the hospital to receive continuous IV fluids before, during, and after the treatment to flush the kidneys and protect them from damage. * **Side Effects**: Nausea and vomiting are very common. Your veterinarian will administer strong anti-nausea medications to keep your dog as comfortable as possible. * **Experimental Nature**: This is considered an 'investigational' or off-label treatment in veterinary medicine. Strict follow-up monitoring of blood sugar, kidney values, and blood counts is absolutely essential.
Is Streptozocin 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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