Streptozocin (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 28, 2022.
Streptozocin should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Renal toxicity from streptozocin is dose-related and cumulative and may be severe or fatal. Other major toxicities are nausea and vomiting which may be severe and at times treatment-limiting. In addition, liver dysfunction, diarrhea, and hematological changes have been observed in some patients. Streptozocin is mutagenic, and when administered parenterally, it has been found to be tumorigenic or carcinogenic in some rodents. The physician must judge the possible benefit to the patient against the known toxic effects of this drug in considering the advisability of therapy with streptozocin. The physician should be familiar with the following text before making a judgment and beginning treatment .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zanosar
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Alkylating Agent
Chemical Class: Nitrosourea
Uses for streptozocin
Streptozocin belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating agents. It is used to treat cancer of the pancreas.
Streptozocin seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. It also directly affects the way the pancreas works. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by streptozocin, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with streptozocin, you and your doctor should talk about the good streptozocin will do as well as the risks of using it.
Streptozocin is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using streptozocin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For streptozocin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to streptozocin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
There is no specific information comparing use of streptozocin in children with use in other age groups.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of streptozocin in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
