Dacilon 0.5mg Injection

About

Dactinomycin, also known as Actinomycin D, is a potent antineoplastic antibiotic used in the treatment of various cancers, particularly in pediatric oncology. It belongs to the class of cytotoxic agents that intercalate into DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA-dependent RNA synthesis and protein synthesis. This interference with nucleic acid synthesis leads to cell cycle arrest and ultimately apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Its mechanism of action is non-specific to the cell cycle phase, making it effective against a broad range of proliferating cells.

Dactinomycin is a vesicant and must be administered intravenously with extreme care to avoid extravasation. It is often used as part of multi-drug chemotherapy regimens for conditions such as Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Its efficacy in these specific cancers, especially in combination with surgery and radiation therapy, has made it a cornerstone of treatment protocols, significantly improving survival rates and outcomes for affected patients.

Uses

• Treatment of Wilms' tumor.
• Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Treatment of Ewing's sarcoma.
• Treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (choriocarcinoma).

Directions For Use

Dacilon 0.5mg Injection is administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. Strict adherence to infusion protocols is essential to prevent extravasation.

Benefits

• Highly effective in treating specific pediatric cancers.
• Crucial component of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens.
• Improves survival rates in Wilms' tumor and rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Effective against gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
• Potent cytotoxic action against rapidly dividing cells.
• Well-established efficacy in its indicated uses.

Side Effects

• Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomatitis and esophagitis
• Diarrhea
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Skin reactions (erythema, hyperpigmentation)
• Hepatotoxicity
• Renal toxicity
• Radiation recall phenomenon
• Extravasation leading to severe tissue damage

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects.
• Pregnancy - Dactinomycin is highly teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnancy. Effective contraception is essential for women of childbearing potential.
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is contraindicated during Dactinomycin treatment due to potential harm to the infant.
• Liver - Use with extreme caution in patients with hepatic impairment; dose reduction may be necessary. Monitor liver function closely.
• Kidney - Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose reduction may be necessary. Monitor kidney function closely.
• Lung - Monitor for signs of pulmonary toxicity, though less common, especially in patients receiving radiation therapy to the chest.

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