Dacarbazine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 16, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Malignant Melanoma

2 to 4.5 mg/kg IV once a day for 10 days; repeat every 4 weeks
OR
250 mg/m2 IV once a day for 5 days; repeat every 3 weeks

Use: For metastatic malignant melanoma

Usual Adult Dose for Hodgkin's Disease

150 mg/m2 IV once a day for 5 days in combination therapy; repeat every 4 weeks
OR
375 mg/m2 IV on Day 1 in combination therapy; repeat every 15 days

Use: For Hodgkin's disease as a second-line therapy when used in combination with other agents

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS:

• This drug should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
• Hemopoietic depression is the most common toxicity with this drug.
• Hepatic necrosis has been reported.
• Studies have demonstrated this drug to have a carcinogenic and teratogenic effect when used in animals.
• In treatment of each patient, the physician should weigh therapeutic benefit against the risk of toxicity.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients

The manufacturer makes no recommendation for the use of this drug in children. Consult institutional guidelines for more information.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

• Restriction of oral intake for 4 to 6 hours prior to therapy help prevent GI adverse reactions.
• Use this drug cautiously in patients with renal and/or liver dysfunction.

Storage requirements:

• Store unopened product in a refrigerator 2C to 8C (36F to 46F).
• After reconstitution and prior to use, the vial may be stored at 4C for up to 72 hours or at normal room conditions (temperature and light) for up to 8 hours. If the reconstituted solution is further diluted in 5% dextrose injection or sodium chloride injection, the resulting solution may be stored at 4C for up to 24 hours or at normal room conditions for up to 8 hours.

IV compatibility:

• Compatible with sterile water, 5% dextrose injection, and sodium chloride injection.

General:

• Procedures for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on this subject have been published; however, there is no general agreement that all the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate.

Monitoring:

• The hematologic profile should be monitored. Hematopoietic toxicity may warrant suspension or cessation of therapy.

Patient advice:

• Patients should be advised to use sunscreens and to avoid sun exposure following administration of this drug.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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