About arsenic trioxide
Antineoplastic agent; arsenic compound
Used for
- Treats acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), often with other medicines.
- Used for newly diagnosed or relapsed APL in defined treatment settings.
Usual adult dose
APL dosing is typically 0.15 mg/kg by intravenous infusion daily; schedule and duration depend on treatment setting.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed dosing; safety and effectiveness are not established for all children.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
- Fatigue, fever, headache, or swelling.
- Low blood cell counts and infections.
- QT prolongation, abnormal heart rhythm, or liver problems.
Important warnings
- Can cause life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms; monitor ECG and electrolytes.
- Can cause differentiation syndrome, which may be severe or fatal.
- Monitor blood counts, liver function, and electrolytes during treatment.
- Treatment requires specialist supervision and careful monitoring.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy during treatment; effective contraception is recommended.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for a period afterward; ask the treating specialist about timing.
Interactions
- Medicines that prolong QT interval may increase dangerous rhythm risk.
- Medicines affecting electrolytes or causing potassium or magnesium loss may increase rhythm risk.
- Other medicines that affect liver function 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.