API

Doxorubicin

Drug classification

Antineoplastic agents (anthracycline antibiotic).

Dosage form

Powder For Injection

API strength per dosage

10mg

Dose

Adults: 60–75 mg/m² IV every 21 days or 20–30 mg/m² IV on days 1–3 every 21 days. Pediatrics: 25–30 mg/m² IV weekly. Reduce dose in hepatic impairment (bilirubin 1.2–3 mg/dL: 50% dose; >3 mg/dL: 25% dose). Adjust for prior anthracycline exposure.

Mechanism of action

Intercalates into DNA, inhibiting topoisomerase IIα, preventing DNA replication and transcription; generates free radicals via redox cycling, inducing DNA and cell membrane damage; disrupts cell cycle progression, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells.

Indications

Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, gastric cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, soft tissue sarcoma, bone sarcoma.

Side effects

Myelosuppression, cardiotoxicity (including heart failure), alopecia, mucositis, nausea, vomiting, extravasation tissue necrosis, secondary malignancies, hepatotoxicity, infusion-related reactions, hyperpigmentation of skin and nails.

Pregnancy category

Precautions

Contraindications