Drug reference

Daunorubicin

Anthracycline · Antineoplastic

AnthracyclineAntineoplasticATC null

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AdalimumabSevereDatabaseDDInter
AmiodaroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
AmisulprideSevereDatabaseDDInter
AnagrelideSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Daunorubicin, an anthracycline, acts as a topoisomerase inhibitor. It primarily works by intercalating into DNA, which leads to the formation of DNA strand breaks. This critical disruption of DNA integrity and function interferes with replication and transcription, ultimately leading to cytotoxic effects and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.

Indications

Untreated de novo CD33-positive acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), except acute promyelocytic leukaemia, in people 15 years and over (in combination with gemtuzumab ozogamicin and cytarabine)Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (in combination with Ara-C)Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)Acute myeloid leukaemiaLymphoblastic leukaemia

Dosing

Adult: to each dose as well as signs and symptoms of infection, bleeding and other effects of myelosuppresion during treatment; dose reduction or interruption or discontinuation of treatment may be required—consult product literature.…

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

30 h (terminal t1/2)

Protein binding

Rapidly enters the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and spleen; does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism

Converted to an active alcohol intermediate.

Excretion

Cleared by a complex pattern of hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion.

Contraindications

Simultaneous use with radiotherapy (due to markedly increased toxicity for cytotoxic antibiotics)

Side effects

Common

Bone marrow depressionStomatitisAlopeciaGastrointestinal disturbancesRashCardiac toxicity (acute or chronic)Red colored urineVomitingMarrow depressionRed urine

Serious

Markedly increased toxicity with simultaneous radiotherapy
Cardiotoxicity (dose-dependent, including tachycardia, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure)
Radiation therapy to the mediastinum may enhance the risk of anthracycline toxicity.
Cardiotoxicity (acute: ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension; delayed: congestive heart failure)
Local tissue damage on extravasation
Mutagenic potential
Carcinogenic potential