Vincristine

Vincristine (vin-KRIS-teen)The active ingredient in a drug used to treat acute leukemia.

• It is sometimes used with other drugs to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor.
• It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Vincristine blocks cell growth by stopping cell division.
• It is a type of vinca alkaloid and a type of antimitotic agent.

Indications

Vincristine sulfate injection is indicated in acute leukemia. Vincristine sulfate injection has also been shown to be useful in combination with other oncolytic agents in Hodgkin's disease

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Bohol Rosy periwinkle (Catharnathus roseus; kumintang in Visayan dialect) - plant containig Vincristine and vinblastin, which have anti cancer properties

How is it made?

• Vincristine Sulfate Injection, USP is the salt of an alkaloid obtained from a common flowering herb, the periwinkle plant (Vinca rosea Linn). Originally known as leurocristine, it has also been referred to as LCR and VCR.

Molecular formula

• The molecular formula for Vincristine Sulfate, USP is C46H56N4O10∙H2SO4.
• It has a molecular weight of 923.04.
• The structural formula is as follows:
• Vincristine Sulfate Injection, USP is a sterile, preservative–free, single-dose only solution available for intravenous use in 2 mL (1 mg and 2 mg) vials. Each mL contains 1 mg Vincristine Sulfate, USP, 100 mg mannitol and Water for Injection, USP. Q.S. Sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide have been added for pH control.

Clinical pharmacology

The mechanisms of action of vincristine sulfate remain under investigation.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of vincristine sulfate has been related to the inhibition of microtubule formation

Indications

Vincristine sulfate injection is indicated in acute leukemia. Vincristine sulfate injection has also been shown to be useful in combination with other oncolytic agents in Hodgkin's disease

How should not use this medicine?

Patients with the demyelinating form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth syndrome should not be given vincristine sulfate injection.

Precautions

General - Acute uric acid nephropathy, which may occur after the administration of oncolytic agents, has also been reported with vincristine sulfate.

Side effects

Prior to the use of this drug, patients and/or their parents/guardian should be advised of the possibility of untoward symptoms.

Overdosage

Side effects following the use of vincristine sulfate injection are dose related. ---Dosage==

• This preparation is for intravenous use only (see WARNINGS).
• Neurotoxicity appears to be dose related. Extreme care must be used in calculating and administering the dose of Vincristine
• Vincristine Sulfate Injection, USP, preservative free solution.

Warnings

• This preparation is for intravenous use only.
• It should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of vincristine sulfate injection.

Also see

• Vinblastine

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