Idarubicin (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 5, 2022.
1. Idarubicin hydrochloride should be given slowly into a freely flowing intravenous infusion. It must never be given intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Severe local tissue necrosis can occur if there is extravasation during administration.2. As is the case with other anthracyclines the use of idarubicin hydrochloride can cause myocardial toxicity leading to congestive heart failure. Cardiac toxicity is more common in patients who have received prior anthracyclines or who have preexisting cardiac disease.3. As is usual with antileukemic agents, severe myelosuppression occurs when idarubicin hydrochloride is used at effective therapeutic doses.4. It is recommended that idarubicin hydrochloride be administered only under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in leukemia chemotherapy and in facilities with laboratory and supportive resources adequate to monitor drug tolerance and protect and maintain a patient compromised by drug toxicity. The physician and institution must be capable of responding rapidly and completely to severe hemorrhagic conditions and/or overwhelming infection.5. Dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Idamycin PFS
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Chemical Class: Idarubicin
Uses for idarubicin
Idarubicin injection is used in combination with other medicines to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Idarubicin belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.
Idarubicin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using idarubicin
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 idarubicin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to idarubicin 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
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of idarubicin injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of idarubicin injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, chest pain, or heart attack which may require caution in patients receiving idarubicin.
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.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in..
