About cytarabine
Antimetabolite chemotherapy (cytarabine)
Used for
- Treats acute myeloid leukemia and other blood cancers, often with other medicines.
Usual adult dose
Varies widely by cancer and treatment plan; commonly 100–200 mg/m² daily for 5–7 days in leukemia induction.
Usual dose in children
Varies by cancer, age, and treatment plan; specialist protocols use body-surface-area-based doses.
Common side effects
- Low blood cell counts, infection, bleeding, and anemia
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth sores
- Fever, rash, or liver test changes
- High-dose treatment may cause coordination problems or eye inflammation
Important warnings
- Given under specialist supervision; blood counts and liver function require monitoring.
- Can cause serious infection or bleeding due to reduced blood cells.
- High-dose therapy can cause neurological or lung toxicity.
- Dose and route depend on the cancer and treatment protocol.
Pregnancy
Can harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment; discuss reliable contraception and pregnancy plans with the oncology team.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because cytarabine may harm the infant.
Interactions
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow can increase infection and bleeding risks.
- Live vaccines may cause serious infection during chemotherapy.
- Other chemotherapy or radiation may increase toxicity.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.