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Vincristine
⚠️ Important: Vincristine is for intravenous use only. Administration by other routes (e.g. intrathecal) is almost always fatal. It should only be given by experienced chemotherapy staff.
💊 About
- A vinca alkaloid chemotherapy agent.
- Always check the BNF entry here for up-to-date prescribing advice.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- Binds to tubulin → prevents microtubule formation.
- Arrests cell growth in metaphase → halts mitosis.
- Cytotoxic, targeting rapidly dividing cells.
🎯 Indications / Uses
- Hodgkin’s & non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Breast carcinoma.
- Methotrexate-resistant choriocarcinoma.
- Renal cell carcinoma.
- Testicular teratoma & seminoma.
- Histiocytosis X.
💉 Administration / Dosing
- Given via IV infusion only, usually weekly.
- Must be diluted and infused carefully to avoid extravasation injury.
🤝 Interactions
- Check BNF for full details - many interactions with other cytotoxics and CYP3A4 substrates.
⚠️ Cautions
- Give only under expert supervision.
- Monitor for neurotoxicity and myelosuppression.
- Constipation is common - prescribe prophylactic laxatives.
🚫 Contraindications
- See BNF for complete list.
❗ Side Effects
- 🚫 Fatal if given intrathecally.
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, foot drop).
- Myelosuppression (↓WCC, anaemia, thrombocytopenia).
- Headache, malaise, SIADH.
- GI: Constipation, abdominal pain, cholestasis.
- Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgias.
- Neuropsychiatric: Seizures, psychosis, depression.
- Alopecia.
📚 References
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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