Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 23, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Cytoxan
- Cytoxan Lyophilized
Available Dosage Forms:
- Capsule
- Powder for Solution
- Tablet
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Alkylating Agent
Chemical Class: Nitrogen Mustard
Uses for cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer of the ovaries, breast, blood and lymph system, and nerves (mainly in children). Cyclophosphamide is also used for retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer mainly in children), multiple myeloma (cancer in the bone marrow), and mycosis fungoides (tumors on the skin). It belongs to the group of cancer medicines called alkylating agents.
Cyclophosphamide is also used for some kinds of kidney disease.
Cyclophosphamide interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are then destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by cyclophosphamide, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, 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 cyclophosphamide, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of cyclophosphamide as well as the risks of using it.
Cyclophosphamide is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using cyclophosphamide
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 cyclophosphamide, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cyclophosphamide 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
Cyclophosphamide has been tested in children and has not been shown to cause different side effects o...
