Alkylating Drugs
Dangerous Drug
PREGNANCY CATEGORY D
Therapeutic Actions
Alkylating drugs are cytotoxic: They alkylate cellular DNA, interfering with the replication of susceptible cells and causing cell death. Their action is most evident in rapidly dividing cells.
Indications
Palliative treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia; malignant lymphomas, including lymphosarcoma, giant follicular lymphoma; brain tumors; Hodgkin’s lymphoma; multiple myelomas; testicular cancers; pancreatic cancer; ovarian and breast cancers
Used as part of multiple-drug regimens
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to the drugs, concurrent radiation therapy, hematopoietic suppression, pregnancy, lactation.
Adverse Effects
CNS: Tremors, muscular twitching, confusion, agitation, ataxia, flaccid paresis, hallucinations, seizures
Dermatologic: Rash, urticaria, alopecia, keratitis
GI: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hepatotoxicity
GU: Sterility
Hematologic: Bone marrow depression, hyperuricemia
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