Dacarbazine

Dacarbazine: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Dacabazine methylates nucleic acids and prevents the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Uses of Dacarbazine

• Management of melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and lymphoproliferative disorders (such as relapsed lymphoma).

Dose of Dacarbazine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• All uses: 200–250 mg/m2 i.v. q24h on days 1–5.
• Repeat cycle q21–28d. Or, dependent upon the chemotherapy protocol, 800–1000 mg/m2 i.v. over a 4–8h period, may repeat q21d provided the bone marrow has recovered.

Cats:

Not recommended.

Side Effects of Dacarbazine in Dogs and Cats

• Myelosuppression.
• Intense nausea and vomiting.

Contraindications of Dacarbazine in Dogs and Cats

• Bone marrow suppression.
• Not recommended in cats, as unknown whether they can metabolize it adequately.

Some Notes:

• In patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency, use with care.
• Can cause excruciating agony and significant tissue damage when extravasated, so it must be administered through an i.v. catheter that has already been placed.
• The metabolic action of dacarbazine is increased by the use of phenobarbital and phenytoin.
• Never combine with other myelosuppressive medications.