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Vinblastine
⚠️ Safety Warning: Vinblastine is for intravenous use only. Administration by other routes (intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intrathecal) is almost always fatal.
💊 About
- A vinca alkaloid chemotherapy agent.
- Chemical analogue of vincristine.
- Always check the BNF entry here for up-to-date details.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- Binds to tubulin → prevents microtubule formation.
- Arrests cell growth in metaphase, halting 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
- Given by IV infusion only.
- Never administer by other routes due to fatal risk.
🤝 Interactions
- Check BNF for full list (multiple cytotoxic and CYP-related interactions).
⚠️ Cautions
- Fatal if given IM, SC, or intrathecally.
- Use with extreme caution in pregnancy (benefit vs risk).
- Myelosuppression risk → monitor FBC closely.
- Infection risk - advise patient to seek urgent help if:
- Temperature >37.5°C–38°C.
- Shaking, sore throat, cough, diarrhoea, or dysuria.
🚫 Contraindications
- Active infection.
- Low white cell count (neutropenia).
❗ Side Effects
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, jaw pain).
- GI: Constipation, ileus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
- Myelosuppression → anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia.
- Alopecia.
- Infections due to marrow suppression.
- Vestibular & auditory toxicity (8th cranial nerve damage).
📚 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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