Drug reference
Asparaginase
Antineoplastic · Antileukemic agent
AntineoplasticAntileukemic agent
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Asparaginase is an enzyme which acts by breaking down L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. This disrupts protein synthesis of tumour cells.
Indications
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (in combination with other antineoplastic drugs) (specialist use only)ALL
Dosing
- Adult
- 5000 units/m2 every 3 days (by intravenous infusion)
- Renal adjustment
- Consider dose reduction in renal impairment.
Contraindications
- History of pancreatitis related to asparaginase therapy
- History of serious haemorrhage related to asparaginase therapy
- History of serious thrombosis related to asparaginase therapy
- Pancreatitis
- Pre-existing known coagulopathy
Side effects
Common
Abdominal painAgitationAnaemiaAngioedemaAppetite decreasedArthralgiaBack painBronchospasmConfusionDepressionDiarrhoeaDizzinessDrowsinessDyspnoeaFatigueFlushingHallucinationHyperglycaemiaHypoalbuminaemiaHypoglycaemiaHypotensionIncreased risk of infectionLeucopeniaNauseaNeurological effectsOedemaSkin reactionsThrombocytopeniaVomitingWeight decreasedHeadache
Serious
- Pancreatitis
- Serious haemorrhage
- Serious thrombosis
- Hypersensitivity reactions (including life-threatening anaphylaxis)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Embolism and thrombosis
- Hyperammonaemia
- Hyperuricaemia
- Coma
- Consciousness impaired
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hepatic disorders
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Ischaemic stroke
- hepatic toxicity
Related guidelines
Other Antineoplastic drugs
Ask House about Asparaginase
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF, Nelson·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team