Cytarabine

  • Brand Name : DepoCyt
  • Drug Class : Antineoplastics, Antimetabolite, Antineoplastics, Anthracycline
  • Medical Author : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
  • Medical Reviewer : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
  • _eael_post_view_count : 8

What Is Cytarabine and How Does It Work?

Cytarabine is a prescription medication used for the treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, meningeal leukemia, refractory leukemia, and lymphomatous meningitis.

  • Cytarabine is available under the following different brand names: Cytosar U, DepoCyt

What Are Dosages of Cytarabine?

Adult and pediatric dosage

Injectable solution

  • 10mg/mL
  • 20mg/mL
  • 100mg/mL

Intrathecal injection, liposomal (DepoCyt)

  • 50mg/5mL

Powder for injection

  • 100mg/vial
  • 500mg/vial
  • 1g/vial
  • 2g/vial

Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia

Adult dosage

IV administration for remission induction

  • 100-200 mg/sq.meter/day for 5-10 days; begin the second course in 2-4 weeks after initial therapy if necessary OR  
  • 100 mg/sq.meter for 7 days OR
  • 100 mg/sq.meter/dose every 12 hours for 7 days

IT administration for remission induction

  • 5-75 mg/sq.meter every 2-7 days until CNS findings normalize

IV administration for remission maintenance

  • 70-200 mg/sq.meter/day for 2-5 days at monthly intervals

IM administration for remission maintenance

  • 1-1.5 mg/kg single dose for maintenance at 1- 4 week intervals

Meningeal Leukemia

Adult dosage

IT administration

  • 30 mg/sq.meter intrathecal (IT) every 4 days until CSF findings normal plus one additional dose

Refractory Leukemia

Adult dosage

IV administration

  • 3 g/sq.meter IV (infusion over 1-3 hours) every 12 hours x 4-12 doses  
  • Repeat every 2-3 weeks

Lymphomatous Meningitis (DepoCyt)

Adult dosage

  • IT liposomal administration
  • IT by intraventricular or lumbar puncture
  • Induction: 50 mg every 14 days weeks 1 and 3 (2 doses total)
  • Consolidation: 50 mg every 14 days (weeks 5, 7, 9) and an additional dose on week 13
  • Maintenance: 50 mg every 28 days for 4 doses (weeks 17, 21, 25, and 29)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

  • See “Dosages”

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