Dexrazoxane
Pronunciation: dex-ray-ZOX-ane
Class: Cytoprotective agent
Trade Names
Totect
- Injection, lyophilized powder for solution 500 mg
Zinecard
- Injection, lyophilized powder for solution 250 mg (10 mg/mL reconstituted)
- Injection, lyophilized powder for solution 500 mg (10 mg/mL reconstituted)
Pharmacology
Dexrazoxane is a potent intracellular chelating agent. The mechanism by which dexrazoxane exerts its cardioprotective activity is not fully understood.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
C max is 36.5 mcg/mL (at end of infusion).
Distribution
Vd approximately 22 L/m 2 . Not bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism
Metabolized to a diacid-diamide cleavage product and 2 monoacid-monoamide ring products.
Elimination
Elimination t ½ is 2.1 to 2.5 h. Plasma Cl is 6.25 to 7.88 L/h/m 2 . Renal Cl is 3.35 L/h/m 2 ; 42% excreted in urine.
Special Populations
Renal Function ImpairmentCl is reduced in patients with renal function impairment.
Hepatic Function ImpairmentPharmacokinetics have not been evaluated.
ElderlyNo pharmacokinetic differences have been observed in patients 65 yr of age and older with healthy renal function compared with younger patients.
ChildrenPharmacokinetics have not been evaluated.
GenderPharmacokinetics not affected by gender.
Indications and Usage
TotectTreatment of extravasation resulting from IV anthracycline chemotherapy.
ZinecardReduce incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy in women with breast cancer patients who have received a cumulative doxorubicin dose of 300 mg/m 2 and who may benefit from additional doxorubicin therapy. It is not recommended for use with the initiation of doxorubicin therapy.
Unlabeled Uses
Cardioprotectant for other anthracyclines.
Contraindications
TotectStandard considerations.
ZinecardDo not use with chemotherapy regimens that do not contain an anthracycline.
Dosage and Administration
CardiomyopathyAdults
IV The recommended IV dosage ratio of dexrazoxane:doxorubicin is 10:1 (eg, dexrazoxane 500 mg/m 2 would be given with doxorubicin 50 mg/m 2 ). In patients with moderate to severe renal function impairment (CrCl less than 40 mL/min), the recommended dosage ratio is 5:1. Doxorubicin must be administered within 30 min after starting the dexrazoxane infusion.
ExtravasationAdults
IV Once daily for 3 consecutive days with the first dose administered as soon as possible and within 6 h after extravasation. Day 1: 1,000 mg/m 2 (max, 2,000 mg). Day 2: 1,000 mg/m 2 (max, 2,000 mg). Day 3: 500 mg/m 2 (max, 1,000 mg). Reduce the dose by 50% in patients with CrCl less than 40 mL/min.
General Advice
- Totect
- Administer IV infusion over 1 to 2 h.
- Administer in a large caliber vein in an extremity other than the one affected by extravasation.
- Cooling procedures (eg, ice packs) should be removed from the area at least 15 min before administration to allow blood flow to the extravasation area.
- Start treatment on days 2 and 3 at the same hour as on day one.
- Do not mix with any other drug.
- Zinecard
- Only for use in combination with chemotherapy regimens containing anthracyclines.
- For IV administration only.
- Follow institutional procedures for handling, administration, and disposal of anticancer drugs. Use caution in preparing and handling the reconstituted solution; use of gloves is recommended. If dexrazoxane powder or solution contact the skin or mucosa, immediately wash exposed area with soap and water.
- Reconstitute powder for injection using the provided sodium lactate solution to give a dexrazoxane concentration of 10 mg/mL. This solution may be administered without further dilution or further diluted with dextrose 5% injection or sodium chloride 0.9% injection to provide a final dexrazoxane concentration of 1.3 to 5 mg/mL.
- Do not administer if cloudiness or particulate matter is noted.
- Administer prescribed dose by slow IV push or rapid IV infusion.
Storage/Stability
Store powder for injection at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Reconstituted and diluted solutions are stable for 6 h at controlled room temperature or under refrigeration (36° to 46°F). Discard any unused solution.
TotectStore unreconstituted vials at 59° to 86°F. Protect vials from light. Reconstituted product should be used immediately after mixing. The reconstituted product may be stored below 77°F for 4 h after mixing and diluting.
Drug Interactions
Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) regimenDexrazoxane may interfere with the antitumor efficacy of this regimen. Coadministration is not recommended.
DimethylsulfoxideDo not use with dexrazoxane to treat anthracycline-induced extravasation.
Other chemotherapeutic agentsMay increase the myelosuppressive effects of other chemotherapeutic agents.
Incompatibility
Do not mix with other drugs.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Adverse reaction percentages reflect the use of dexrazoxane for the treatment of extravasation. The frequency of adverse reactions when dexrazoxane is used for the treatment of breast cancer is likely to be attributable to coadministration of doxorubicin or another concurrent regimen.
Cardiovascular
Vascular disorder (15%).
CNS
Pyrexia (21%); fatigue (13%); dizziness (11%); depression (8%); headache (6%); insomnia (5%); neurotoxicity.
Dermatologic
Alopecia (14%); recall skin reaction, streaking/erythema; urticaria.
GI
Nausea (43%); vomiting (19%); diarrhea (11%); abdominal pain, constipation (6%); anorexia (5%); dysphagia, esophagitis, stomatitis.
Hematologic-Lymphatic
Anemia (6%); neutropenia, thrombocytopenia.
Lab Tests
Decreased WBC (73%); decreased neutrophils (61%); decreased hemoglobin (43%); increased AST (28%); decreased platelets (26%); increased ALT (22%); increased creatinine (14%); increased bilirubin (11%); increased total calcium (7%); decreased sodium (6%); increased LDH (5%), increased alkaline phosphatase (4%).
Local
Injection-site pain (16%); phlebitis (6%); extravasation.
Metabolic-Nutritional
Anorexia (5%).
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (13%).
Respiratory
Dyspnea (8%); pneumonia (6%); cough (5%).
Miscellaneous
Postoperative infection (16%); peripheral edema (10%); fever, hemorrhage, sepsis.
Precautions
MonitorEnsure that CBC with differential is evaluated before starting therapy and frequently during treatment. Monitor patient for signs or symptoms of infection or bleeding. |
Pregnancy
ZinecardCategory C .
TotectCategory D .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Safety and efficacy not established.
Renal Function
Cl is reduced in patients with renal function impairment. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Hepatic Function
Dose reduction is recommended.
Carcinogenesis
Secondary malignancies (primarily acute myeloid leukemia) have been reported in patients treated chronically with razoxane.
Fertility
Testicular atrophy in animals.
Anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity
Carefully monitor cardiac function.
Antitumor interference
The use of dexrazoxane concurrently with the initiation of fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclosporine (FAC) therapy may interfere with the antitumor efficacy of the regimen; this use is not recommended.
Extravasation risk
Local irritation or phlebitis may occur. Refer to institution-specific protocol.
Overdosage
Symptoms
No data on overdosage.
Patient Information
- Advise patient, family, or caregiver that medication will be prepared and administered by health care provider in a health care setting.
- Review dosing schedule with patient, family, or caregiver.
- Advise patient, family, or caregiver to immediately report any of the following to health care provider: fever, chills, or other signs of infection; flushing; hives; rash; sores in mouth; unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Advise patient, family, or caregiver to report any of the following to health care provider: pain, redness, or swelling at injection site; persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss; persistent or worsening general body weakness; streaking or redness of skin.
- Advise women of childbearing potential that dexrazoxane may cause fetal harm.
Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.
More Dexrazoxane resources
- Dexrazoxane Prescribing Information (FDA)
- dexrazoxane Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- dexrazoxane MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Dexrazoxane Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Totect Consumer Overview
- Totect Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Zinecard Prescribing Information (FDA)


