- 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”