Zelgor 250mg Tablet

About

Capecitabine is an orally administered fluoropyrimidine carbamate that functions as a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a well-established antimetabolite chemotherapy agent. Its therapeutic advantage lies in its tumor-selective activation: capecitabine is converted to 5-FU predominantly within tumor cells, where the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase is often present in higher concentrations. This targeted activation minimizes systemic exposure to high levels of 5-FU, potentially reducing systemic toxicities while maintaining robust anti-tumor efficacy. Once converted to 5-FU, it exerts its cytotoxic effects by interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis, leading to cellular dysfunction and apoptosis, similar to intravenous 5-FU. Capecitabine is widely utilized in the treatment of various solid tumors, including colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers. Its oral formulation offers significant convenience for patients, allowing for home administration. However, diligent monitoring for common side effects, such as hand-foot syndrome and diarrhea, is essential to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment adherence.

Uses

• Colorectal cancer (adjuvant and metastatic)
• Breast cancer (metastatic)
• Gastric cancer (advanced)
• Esophageal cancer (advanced)

Directions For Use

Take orally with water within 30 minutes after a meal, as directed by your doctor.

Benefits

• Oral administration for patient convenience.
• Tumor-selective activation, potentially reducing systemic toxicity.
• Effective against various solid tumors.
• Can be used as monotherapy or in combination regimens.
• Improves progression-free and overall survival in certain cancers.
• Well-established efficacy in metastatic settings.

Side Effects

• Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Anorexia
• Myelosuppression (mild to moderate)
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Dermatitis
• Alopecia (mild)
• Dehydration

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Use effective contraception.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended during breastfeeding as it may be excreted in breast milk and harm the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Kidney - Contraindicated in severe renal impairment. Dose adjustments are required for moderate impairment.
• Lung - Rarely associated with interstitial pneumonitis; monitor for new respiratory symptoms.

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