Streptozocin Disease Interactions

Unspecified hepatic dysfunction has been noted during streptozocin therapy. The pharmacokinetic disposition of streptozocin has not been extensively studied. Therapy with streptozocin should be administered cautiously in patients with a history or predisposition to compromised hepatic function. Liver function tests should be done at least weekly and dosage adjustments or discontinuance of therapy may be indicated, depending upon the degree of toxicity noted.

Streptozocin therapy causes hematologic toxicity and some cases of severe leukopenia and thrombocytopenia have resulted in death. Therapy with streptozocin should be administered cautiously in patients with bone marrow suppression. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Renal toxicity reported during streptozocin therapy is dose-related, cumulative, and may be severe or fatal. The use of streptozocin in patients with renal disease requires a judgment by the physician of potential benefit as opposed to the known risk of serious renal damage. If the need outweighs the risk, extreme caution should be exercised in administering streptozocin and therapy should be initiated at a reduced dosage. Close clinical monitoring of renal function such as serial urinalysis, BUN, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and serum electrolytes prior to and after each course of streptozocin therapy is recommended. Development of significant renal toxicity may require a reduction in dose or discontinuation of streptozocin therapy.

Mild to moderate abnormalities of glucose tolerance have been noted in some patients treated with streptozocin. These have generally been reversible, but insulin shock with hypoglycemia has been observed. Caution is recommended when using this agent in diabetic patients, and close monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended during therapy.