Mechlorethamine
- Atc Codes:L01AA
- CAS Codes:55-86-7#51-75-2
- PHARMGKB ID:55-86-7#51-75-2
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Genes that may be involved
- Toxicological Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Nutrition/Nutraceutical Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Europe
France: Caryolysine.
North America
Canada: Mustargen; USA: Mustargen.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride: C~5~H~11~C~l2~N HCl. Mw: 192.51. (1) Ethanamine, 2-chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methyl-, hydrochloride; (2) 2,2′-Dichloro-N-methyldiethylamine hydrochloride. CAS-55-86-7; CAS-51-75-2 (mechlorethamine).
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agents; Alkylating Agents; Nitrogen Mustard. (ATC-Code: L01AA).
Mechanism of action
Bifunctional alkylating agent which inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis via formation of carbonium ions. Cross-links strands of DNA, causing miscoding, breakage, and failure of replication.
Therapeutic use
Hodgkin’s disease. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment of metastatic tumors. Pleural and other malignant effusions. Treatment of mycosis fungoides.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Animal studies demonstrated teratogenic effects. Use only when potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus. Exposure to mechlorethamine must be avoided during pregnancy. Not recommended during lactation.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to mechlorethamine or any component of the formulation. Pre-existing profound myelosuppression or infection.
Warnings and precautions
Hazardous agent. Might cause bone marrow suppression (lymphopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia). Hyperuricemia might occur, especially with lymphomas. Exposure during pregnancy should be avoided. Mechlorethamine is a potent vesicant.