What is Cytarabine Injection ?
Cytarabine, also known as cytosine arabinoside, is a chemotherapy medication available in injectable form. It is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, particularly leukemia. Cytarabine is a nucleoside analog that interferes with the synthesis of DNA and inhibits the growth and replication of cancer cells.
Cytarabine Injection Uses
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Cytarabine is primarily used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): It is also used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), another type of leukemia.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): In some cases, cytarabine may be used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Cytarabine Injection – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Cytarabine is a pyrimidine analog of cytidine. Inside the cell, it is converted into its active triphosphate form, cytarabine triphosphate (ara-CTP), which inhibits DNA polymerase. Ara-CTP is incorporated into the DNA strands during DNA synthesis, leading to chain termination and inhibition of further DNA synthesis. This mechanism interferes with the growth and replication of cancer cells, ultimately leading to their death.
Cytarabine primarily affects rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, but it can also affect normal cells with high proliferation rates.
Cytarabine Injection – Side-effects
- Fever and Infection Risk: Cytarabine can increase the risk of infections, particularly if your white blood cell count is low.
- Mouth Sores: Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth and throat may occur.
- Neurological Side Effects: Cytarabine can cause neurological side effects such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty walking.
