About daunorubicin
Anthracycline antineoplastic antibiotic
Used for
- Treats acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, usually with other medicines.
Usual adult dose
Usually 45 mg/m² intravenously daily for three days with cytarabine for acute myeloid leukemia; regimens vary.
Usual dose in children
For childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, commonly 25–45 mg/m² intravenously on scheduled treatment days; specialist regimens vary.
Common side effects
- Low blood counts, infection, bleeding, and anemia
- Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and diarrhea
- Hair loss and skin or urine discoloration
- Heart muscle damage and abnormal heart rhythm
Important warnings
- Can cause severe bone marrow suppression and life-threatening infection or bleeding.
- May cause cumulative, potentially irreversible heart damage; heart function requires monitoring.
- Can injure tissue if it leaks outside the vein; administration requires trained staff.
- May cause fetal harm; treatment requires specialist monitoring and precautions.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid during pregnancy unless essential; discuss reliable contraception with the oncology team.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because daunorubicin may harm a nursing infant.
Interactions
- Other medicines that damage the heart can increase cardiac risk.
- Other cancer treatments or radiation can worsen bone marrow suppression.
- Medicines affecting liver enzymes may change daunorubicin exposure.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.