Etoposide-Anticancer drug and its pharmacology

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Etoposide inhibits DNA topoisomerase II, thereby inhibiting DNA re-ligation. This causes critical errors in DNA synthesis t the premiotic stage of cell division and can lead to apoptosis of cancer cell. It is cell cycle dependent and phase specific, affecting mainly the S and G2 phases of cell division. Inhibition of the topoisomerase II alpha isoform results in the anti-tumour activity of etoposide. It is carcinogenic effect.

DRUG DRUG INTERACTION

1) ACENOCOUMAROL: May increase the anticoagulant activity of acenocoumarol.

2) APREPITANT: Serum concentration of etoposide  can be increased

3) ATOVAQUONE: Serum concentration of etoposide  can be increased

SIDE EFFECTS

• Infusion site reaction

• Low blood pressure

• Hair loss

• Pain and burning at I.V. site

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Metallic food taste

• Bone marrow suppression

THERAPEUTIC USES

• Chemotherapy for Kaposi’s sacrcoma ,Ewing’s sarcoma, lung cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma     etc,

• Conditioning regimen prior to a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant

REFERENCE:-Tripathi K D"Essential of medical pharmacology",7th edition ,page no-858,866