Vinblastine

Vinblastine In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Interferes with microtubule assembly, causing metaphase arrest and ultimately resulting in cell death.

Uses of Vinblastine

• Vinblastine is used less frequently than vincristine for treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders.
• Used with prednisolone for treatment of canine mast cell tumours.
• Treatment of bladder transitional carcinomas.

Dose of Vinblastine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• All uses: 1.5–3 mg/m2 q7–14d (depending on the protocol used).

Side Effects of Vinblastine in Dogs and Cats

• The main dose-limiting toxicity is myelosuppression, specifically neutropenia.
• Other potential side effects include mucositis, stomatitis, ileus, jaw/muscle pain, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and gastrointestinal tract toxicity.
• Cats may experience neurotoxicity, which can present as constipation and/or ileus.

Contraindications of Vinblastine in Dogs and Cats

• Bone marrow suppression, a dose reduction is recommended in patients with liver dysfunction.

Some Notes:

• Drugs that inhibit metabolism via the hepatic cytochrome P450 system can decrease the metabolism of vinblastine, potentially increasing its toxicity. Examples include calcium-channel blockers, cimetidine, ciclosporin, erythromycin, metoclopramide, and itraconazole.
• Additionally, inhibitors of P-glycoprotein, such as ciclosporin, verapamil, phenothiazines, and itraconazole, may also increase the toxicity of vinblastine.