Belustine

Belustine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Belustine is a brand name. Its generic name is Lomustine.

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Introduction and Uses

Belustine (Gleostine, CCNU), is an alkylating agent commonly used in the treatment of brain tumors, cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It works by disrupting the DNA of diseased cells, causing them to die. 􁀣􁀤Belustine is usually used in combination with other anticancer drugs.

Mechanism of Action

Belustine works by binding to DNA, thus disrupting the structure and causing DNA damage. This leads to an accumulation of altered cells that disrupts the cell’s normal function, resulting in cell death.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

It typically takes one to two weeks for lomustine to start working, though it may take longer or shorter depending on a person’s response to the medication.

Absorption

Belustine is readily absorbed after oral administration. The bioavailability is approximately 85%.

Route of Elimination

Belustine is metabolized in the liver and eliminated quickly in the urine.

Dosage

The usual dose of lomustine Capsules is 40 - 100 mg/m2 once every 6 weeks as an intravenous or oral dose. The dose may be adjusted in certain patients.

Administration

Belustine can be administered orally or intravenously.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lomustine may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, decreased appetite, hair loss, swelling of the hands and feet, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Toxicity

Belustine can be toxic in high doses. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, low blood pressure, and seizures.

Precautions

Patients taking lomustine should undergo regular blood tests to monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions.

Interaction

Belustine may interact with other medications or substances such as herbal products, vitamins, or other drugs.

Disease Interaction

Belustine can interact with certain diseases, such as liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or anemia, and should be used with caution in these patients.

Drug Interaction

Drug interactions with lomustine may include antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, antidiabetes drugs, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs.

Food Interactions

Belustine should be taken on an empty stomach, and patients should not take it with or after a meal.

Pregnancy Use

Belustine is not recommended for pregnant women as it can cause fetal harm.

Lactation Use

Belustine is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

Signs and symptoms of an acute overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and seizures.

Contraindication

Belustine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Use Direction

Patients should take lomustine exactly as prescribed by their doctor. Missing doses should not be made up and doses should not be taken more often than recommended by your doctor.

Storage Conditions

Belustine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should not be frozen.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of lomustine is approximately 2.2 L/kg.

Half Life

The half life of lomustine is approximately 24 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of lomustine is 0.87 ml/min/kg.

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