Actinomycin C1
Actinomycin C1 Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Actinomycin C1 is a brand name. Its generic name is Dactinomycin.
Actinomycin C1 Introduction
Actinomycin C1, also known as actinomycin D, is a naturally occurring antibiotic and antineoplastic drug. It is an antitumor antibiotic that binds to DNA and interferes with cell division. It is derived from various strains of Streptomyces bacteria. Actinomycin C1 is used in combination with other cancer drugs to treat Wilms' tumors, Ewing's tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma, and many other kinds of cancer.
Uses of Actinomycin C1
Actinomycin C1 is used to treat various forms of cancer, including head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, Wilms tumor, Ewing tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and ovarian cancer. It is also used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of metastatic Wilms tumor, bone marrow suppression, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and lung cancer.
Mechanism of Action
Actinomycin C1 binds to DNA, blocking DNA synthesis and resulting in cell death. Cells that have stopped dividing are also targeted, resulting in further cell death. Actinomycin C1 can also induce a direct toxic effect on tumor cells. Additionally, it can cause indirect cytotoxicity due to the release of toxic metabolites from the tumor cells.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The time it takes for Actinomycin C1 to take effect depends on the individual and on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Generally, it can take weeks or months for the drug to take effect and begin to reduce tumor size. In some cases, it may take longer.
Absorption
Actinomycin C1 is absorbed poorly when taken orally. When given by intramuscular or intravenous injection, it is rapidly absorbed.
Route of Elimination
Actinomycin C1 is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. Most of the drug is excreted unchanged within 24 hours of administration.
Dosage
The dosage of Actinomycin C1 depends on the individual and the type of cancer being treated. It is typically given in combination with other drugs. Actinomycin C1 is typically administered as an intravenous or intramuscular injection. The usual dosage is 5 to 15 micrograms per kilogram per day, divided into three to four doses.
Administration
Actinomycin C1 can be administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or orally. For intravenous administration, the drug is typically diluted in 50 to 100 mL of sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection. For intramuscular administration, the injection should be given in the upper arm or the buttock and should not be injected into a vein.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Actinomycin C1 include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, anemia, diarrhea, skin rash, fatigue, increased sensitivity to the sun, and fever. Less common side effects include itching, joint pain, chest pain, swelling, a decrease in white blood cells, and kidney or liver damage.
Toxicity
Actinomycin C1 is extremely toxic in its pure form. Patients should not be exposed to the drug. Proper protective clothing and gear should be used when handling the drug in its pure form.
Precautions
Patients taking Actinomycin C1 should avoid prolonged sun exposure. They should also be monitored for signs of liver and kidney toxicity. Women of childbearing age should use contraception while taking this drug as it can be teratogenic. It may also interact with herbal remedies and dietary supplements, so patients should consult their doctor before taking any supplements while taking this drug.
Interactions
Actinomycin C1 may interact with other drugs, including some antibiotics, antineoplastic drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, and diuretics. Additionally, it has the potential to cause additive toxic effects when taken with other drugs. Patients should consult their doctor before taking any new medications while taking this drug.
Disease Interaction
Actinomycin C1 may interact with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. It may also interact with some blood disorders, such as neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Patients should consult their doctor before taking this drug if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Drug Interaction
Actinomycin C1 should not be taken with certain drugs, such as methotrexate, cisplatin, dacarbazine, docetaxel, or high-dose cytarabine. Additionally, it should not be taken with medications used to prevent seizures, such as phenytoin or valproic acid.
Food Interactions
Food does not significantly affect the absorption of Actinomycin C1. However, patients should drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug in order to minimize the risk of kidney damage.
Pregnancy Use
Actinomycin C1 should not be taken by pregnant women, as it can be teratogenic and may cause developmental abnormalities in the fetus. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this drug.
Lactation Use
It is not known if Actinomycin C1 is excreted in breast milk. Women taking this drug should not breastfeed.
Acute Overdose
Acute overdoses of Actinomycin C1 can cause kidney and liver damage and other serious side effects. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, fever, and chills. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Actinomycin C1 should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. It should also not be used in patients with a history of organ transplantation, as it may increase the risk of organ rejection.
Use Direction
Actinomycin C1 should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Patients should not take more than the prescribed dose of this drug. If the dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is close to the time for the next dose. The missed dose should not be taken in addition to the next scheduled dose.
Storage Condition
Actinomycin C1 should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It should be kept away from the reach of children and pets, and should not be exposed to light. It should be discarded safely after the expiration date.
Volume of Distribution
Actinomycin C1 has a volume of distribution of 0.2 to 0.5 L/kg.
Half-Life
Actinomycin C1 has an elimination half-life of 3 to 6 hours.
Clearance
Actinomycin C1 has an average clearance of 0.3 to 0.5 mL/min/kg.
Here you find in details version of Actinomycin C1