Procarbazine
Description
Procarbazine is an anticancer agent which is used in the treatment of Hodgkin's Disease, a type of cancer that originates from the blood cells (lymphocytes) and affects the lymphatic system. It is also used to treat cancers in brain tissues.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Procarbazine
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
Uses of Procarbazine
What is it prescribed for?
- Hodgkin's Disease
- Anaplastic Astrocytoma
- Glioblastoma Multiforme
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired effects is necessary.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to procarbazine or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Bone marrow depression and blood disorders
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with bone marrow depression and other blood disorders such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or severe anemia.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired effects is necessary.
General warnings
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Impairment of fertility
Use of this medicine may impair the fertility in some patients.
Driving or Operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause dizziness, weakness or tiredness. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
Risk of infections
Use of this medicine may weaken the immune system and may make you more vulnerable to infections. It is advised that you avoid coming in contact with people suffering from an infection while taking this medicine.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
Interaction with Medicine
Amitriptyline
Tramadol
BCG vaccine
Etanercept
Carbamazepine
Imipramine
Disease interactions
Infections
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from infections due to the increased risk of bone marrow suppression which may further worsen the patient's existing condition. Report any signs or symptoms suggesting infection such as fever, sore throat, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, pain or burning during urination, etc. to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended. An alternative treatment option should be considered in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Consumption of food or beverages containing high tyramine content is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the risk of high blood pressure. Report any unusual symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, convulsions, numbness or weakness, etc. to the doctor immediately.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as advised by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine before completion of the course/without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine blocks the cancer cells from multiplying and stops their growth.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous antineoplastics, Alkylating agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 13 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 13 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Bccancer.bc.ca. 2018 [cited 13 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Gosh.nhs.uk. 2018 [cited 13 December 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Matulane- procarbazine hydrochloride capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 21 February 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 22 Feb 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.