Capxcel 500mg Tablet

About

Capecitabine is an orally administered fluoropyrimidine carbamate, a prodrug designed to be converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) primarily within tumor cells. This targeted activation minimizes systemic exposure to 5-FU, potentially reducing systemic toxicity while maintaining efficacy. The conversion process involves several enzymatic steps, with thymidine phosphorylase, an enzyme often found in higher concentrations in tumor tissues, playing a key role in the final conversion.

Once converted, 5-FU acts as an antimetabolite, interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Capecitabine is a widely used chemotherapy agent for various solid tumors, offering the convenience of oral administration which can improve patient quality of life and adherence to treatment regimens.

Uses

• Adjuvant treatment of colon cancer.
• Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Management of advanced breast cancer.
• Used in advanced gastric and pancreatic cancers.

Directions For Use

Take this medication orally with water within 30 minutes after a meal. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and schedule carefully.

Benefits

• Oral administration offers significant convenience for patients.
• Targeted activation of the drug primarily within tumor cells.
• Effective in both adjuvant and metastatic settings.
• Can be used as a monotherapy or in combination regimens.
• Generally well-tolerated compared to intravenous 5-FU.
• Improves patient quality of life by reducing hospital visits.

Side Effects

• Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Alopecia (hair thinning or loss)
• Hyperbilirubinemia (elevated bilirubin levels)
• Skin rash
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Dehydration
• Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects and potentially increase the risk of liver strain.
• Pregnancy - Capecitabine is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential for fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for a period afterward.
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is not recommended during capecitabine treatment as the drug and its metabolites may be excreted in breast milk, posing a risk to the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver conditions. Liver function tests should be monitored, and dose adjustment may be required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
• Kidney - Dose adjustment is necessary for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment to reduce the risk of increased toxicity. Renal function should be monitored regularly.
• Lung - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing lung conditions. While rare, cases of interstitial pneumonitis and other pulmonary toxicities have been reported with fluoropyrimidines.

Disclaimer

MedEHub is committed to delivering reliable, expert-reviewd information to help consumers make informed health decisions. However, the content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns, and discuss your questions about health conditions or medications with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information found on Med E Hub.

Our goal is to complement, not replace, the essential doctor-patient relationship.