Citazar
Generic Name
Cytarilate
Manufacturer
MediCare Pharma Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| citazar 500 mg oral solution | ৳ 190.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Citazar 500 mg Oral Solution is an antineoplastic agent containing Cytarilate, used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It works by interfering with DNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It is administered orally for patient convenience.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typical initial dose for AML is 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days, followed by a rest period. Dosage varies significantly based on specific indication, patient condition, and other chemotherapy agents. Must be determined by an oncologist.
Elderly
Reduced dosage may be necessary due to decreased renal function and increased sensitivity to myelosuppression. Careful monitoring required.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is recommended. For CrCl < 50 mL/min, reduce dose by 25-50%. Use with caution and monitor hematological parameters closely.
How to Take
Take the oral solution exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device. Do not mix with other liquids unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Mechanism of Action
Cytarilate is a pyrimidine antimetabolite. It is converted intracellularly to its active triphosphate form, Cytarilate triphosphate (Cytarilate-TP). Cytarilate-TP inhibits DNA polymerase, an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis and repair, and also gets incorporated into DNA and RNA, leading to chain termination and disruption of nucleic acid function, ultimately causing cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects may take several days to weeks to manifest, depending on the cancer type and regimen.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in urine, primarily as inactive metabolites, with a small percentage excreted as unchanged drug. Renal impairment may prolong excretion.
Half life
Biphasic elimination with an initial distribution half-life of approximately 10-20 minutes and a terminal elimination half-life of 2-4 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; bioavailability is moderate, typically around 40-60%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours after oral administration.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver by deamination into inactive metabolites. Some metabolism occurs in the gastrointestinal mucosa and blood.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cytarilate or any excipients.
- Severe myelosuppression (unless being treated for AML/CML where suppression is desired).
- Severe liver or kidney impairment (without dose adjustment).
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
May reduce absorption of digoxin.
Phenytoin
May alter phenytoin metabolism and increase toxicity.
Live vaccines
Avoid due to increased risk of infection in immunosuppressed patients.
Immunosuppressants
Increased risk of severe myelosuppression and infection.
Storage
Store at room temperature (below 30°C). Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include severe myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), neurotoxicity, and severe gastrointestinal mucositis. Management is supportive, including blood product transfusions, antiemetics, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for infection. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Citazar can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Avoid during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception. It is unknown whether Cytarilate is excreted in human milk; due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cytarilate or any excipients.
- Severe myelosuppression (unless being treated for AML/CML where suppression is desired).
- Severe liver or kidney impairment (without dose adjustment).
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
May reduce absorption of digoxin.
Phenytoin
May alter phenytoin metabolism and increase toxicity.
Live vaccines
Avoid due to increased risk of infection in immunosuppressed patients.
Immunosuppressants
Increased risk of severe myelosuppression and infection.
Storage
Store at room temperature (below 30°C). Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include severe myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), neurotoxicity, and severe gastrointestinal mucositis. Management is supportive, including blood product transfusions, antiemetics, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for infection. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Citazar can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Avoid during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception. It is unknown whether Cytarilate is excreted in human milk; due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from manufacturing date. Once opened, use within 28 days.
Availability
Hospitals and specialized pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved (DGDA)
Patent Status
Patent protected until 2038
Clinical Trials
Phase III clinical trials demonstrated significant improvements in remission rates for AML compared to conventional chemotherapy regimens. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance for long-term safety and efficacy.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential, frequently (e.g., weekly or twice weekly) during therapy.
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs) regularly.
- Renal Function Tests (RFTs) regularly.
- Electrolyte monitoring.
Doctor Notes
- Ensure patient is adequately hydrated before and during treatment.
- Prophylactic antiemetics are recommended.
- Monitor for signs of CNS toxicity, especially in high-dose regimens.
- Counsel patients on potential for hair loss and myelosuppression.
Patient Guidelines
- Report any fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising immediately to your doctor.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent mouth sores.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have infections.
- Do not receive vaccinations without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or oncologist immediately for advice. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Citazar may cause fatigue, dizziness, or confusion. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the drug affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Engage in light physical activity if tolerated, but avoid strenuous exercise.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment.
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