One of the most widely used and effective cytotoxic drugs. A cytotoxic antibiotic, doxorubicin is administered intravenously for the treatment of acute leukaemias, lymphomas, and a variety of solid tumours and is instilled directly into the bladder to treat bladder cancer. It is also used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma (a tumour of blood vessels in the skin), for which it is available as a lipid formulation for infusion; the lipid enhances its uptake by the tumour cells. Doxorubicin is a prescription only medicine.
Side effects:
include moderate to severe nausea and vomiting, bone marrow suppression, hair loss,
and inflammation of the mouth. High doses can have adverse effects on the heart. Leakage from the infusion tube can damage the surrounding tissue.
Precautions:
doxorubicin should not be given to people with pre-existing heart disease, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, elderly people, or anyone who has received radiation. Heart function should be closely monitored. Doxorubicin is irritant to the skin and must be handled carefully.
Interactions with other drugs:
Cyclosporin: the risk of this drug causing nerve damage is increased.
