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Dexrazoxane Hydrochloride – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Dexrazoxane Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of a bisdioxopiperazine with iron-chelating, chemoprotective, cardioprotective, and antineoplastic activities. After hydrolysis to an active form that is similar to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dexrazoxane chelates iron, limiting the formation of free radical-generating anthracycline-iron complexes, which may minimize anthracycline-iron complex-mediated oxidative damage to cardiac and soft tissues. This agent also inhibits the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II, which may result in tumor cell growth inhibition.

Dexrazoxane is a bisdioxopiperazine with iron-chelating, chemoprotective, cardioprotective, and antineoplastic activities. After hydrolysis to an active form that is similar to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dexrazoxane chelates iron, limiting the formation of free radical-generating anthracycline-iron complexes, which may minimize anthracycline-iron complex-mediated oxidative damage to cardiac and soft tissues. This agent also inhibits the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II, which may result in tumor cell growth inhibition.

Dexrazoxane is a cytoprotective drug used to prevent and improve cardiomyopathy associated with doxorubicin treatment for metastatic breast cancer. An antimitotic agent with immunosuppressive properties. Dexrazoxane, the (+)-enantiomorph of razoxane, provides cardioprotection against anthracycline toxicity. It appears to inhibit the formation of a toxic iron-anthracycline complex. [PubChem] The Food and Drug Administration has designated dexrazoxane as an orphan drug for use in the prevention or reduction in the incidence and severity of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which dexrazoxane exerts its cardioprotective activity is not fully understood. Dexrazoxane is a cyclic derivative of EDTA that readily penetrates cell membranes. Results of laboratory studies suggest that dexrazoxane (a prodrug) is converted intracellularly to a ring-opened bidentate chelating agent that chelates to free iron and interferes with iron-mediated free radical generation thought to be responsible, in part, for anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. It should be noted that dexrazoxane may also be protected through its inhibitory effect on topoisomerase II.

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The mechanism of action of dexrazoxane’s cardioprotective activity is not fully understood. Dexrazoxane is a cyclic derivative of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) that readily penetrates cell membranes. Laboratory studies suggest that dexrazoxane is converted intracellularly to a ring-opened chelating agent that interferes with iron-mediated free radical generation thought to be responsible, in part, for anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.

Dexrazoxane is a cardioprotective agent for use in conjunction with doxorubicin indicated for reducing the incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy associated with doxorubicin administration in women with metastatic breast cancer who have received a cumulative doxorubicin dose. Patients receiving anthracycline-derivative antineoplastic agents may experience three types of cardiotoxicity: acute transient type; chronic, subacute type (related to cumulative dose and has a more indolent onset later on); and a late-onset type that manifests years after therapy, mainly in patients that have been exposed to the drug as a child. Although the exact mechanism of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is not known, it has been shown to exert a variety of actions that may result in the development of cardiotoxicity. In animals, anthracyclines cause a selective inhibition of cardiac muscle gene expression for α-actin, troponin, myosin light-chain 2, and the M isoform of creatine kinase. This may lead to myofibrillar loss associated with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Anthracyclines may also cause myocyte damage via calcium overload, altered myocardial adrenergic function, the release of vasoactive amines, and proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the main cause of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is associated with free-radical damage to DNA. The drugs intercalate DNA, chelate metal ions to produce drug-metal complexes, and generate superoxide radicals via oxidation-reduction reactions. Anthracyclines also contain a quinone structure that can undergo reduction via NADPH-dependent reactions to produce a semiquinone free radical that initiates a cascade of superoxide and hydroxide radical generation. Chelation of metal ions, particularly iron, by anthracyclines results in an anthracycline-metal complex that catalyzes the generation of reactive oxygen free radicals. This complex is a powerful oxidant that can initiate lipid peroxidation in the absence of oxygen free radicals. The toxicity induced by anthracyclines may be exacerbated in cardiac cells, as these cells do not possess sufficient amounts of certain enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) involved in detoxifying free radicals and protecting the cells from subsequent damage.

Indications

  • For reducing the incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy associated with doxorubicin administration in women with metastatic breast cancer who have received a cumulative doxorubicin hydrochloride dose of 300 mg/m^2 and would benefit from continued doxorubicin therapy. Also approved for the treatment of extravasation from intravenous anthracyclines.
  • Save is indicated for the treatment of anthracycline extravasation.
  • Dexrazoxane is indicated for reducing the incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy associated with the administration of doxorubicin in women with metastatic breast cancer who have received a cumulative doxorubicin dose of 300 mg/sq m of the body surface and who would benefit from continued therapy with doxorubicin.
  • Accidental extravasation of chemotherapy containing anthracycline often causes mutilating complications as a result of extensive tissue necrosis. Treatment, therefore, consists of extensive surgical debridement.
  • Reducing incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy associated with doxorubicin administration in women with metastatic breast cancer who have received a cumulative doxorubicin dose of 300 mg/m2 and who will continue to receive doxorubicin.

FDA-approved indications:

  • Reduction of incidence and severity of cardiac dysfunction associated with anthracycline use.
  • Dexrazoxane can also be used to treat tissue damage caused by anthracyclines when they leak from the vein while being administered.

Non-FDA-approved indication:

  • Although a study is still underway as of this writing, dexrazoxane may act as a beneficial neuroprotectant to treat neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Use in Cancer

Dexrazoxane hydrochloride is approved to treat severe side effects caused by certain types of chemotherapy. It is used to treat the following:

  • Cardiac (heart) side effects caused by doxorubicin hydrochloride in women being treated for metastatic breast cancer. Dexrazoxane hydrochloride helps make the side effects happen less often and makes them less severe when they do occur. It is used only in women who have already received high doses of doxorubicin and continue to be treated with it. This use is approved for the Totect and Zinecard brands of dexrazoxane hydrochloride.
  • Extravasation caused by intravenous anthracyclines. Extravasation occurs when injected drugs leak out of the vein, into the surrounding tissue. This can cause redness, pain, and swelling, and may damage the tissue. This use is approved for the Totect brand of dexrazoxane hydrochloride.

Contraindications

  • decreased blood platelets
  • low levels of white blood cells
  • low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • chronic kidney disease stage 3B (moderate)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
  • kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function

Dosage

 Strengths: 250 mg; 500 mg

Cardiomyopathy Prophylaxis

The dosage ratio of dexrazoxane to doxorubicin is 10:1 (e.g. 500 mg/m2 dexrazoxane to 50 mg/m2 doxorubicin)

  • Administer via IV infusion over 15 minutes.
  • DO NOT administer via IV push.
  • Administer doxorubicin within 30 minutes of completion of dexrazoxane infusion; do not administer doxorubicin before dexrazoxane.
  • Do not use it with the initiation of doxorubicin therapy.

Extravasation

Recommended doses:

  • Day one: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 1 to 2 hours
  • Day two: 1000 mg/m2 IV over 1 to 2 hours
  • Day three: 500 mg/m2 IV over 1 to 2 hours

Maximum doses:

  • Day one: 2000 mg
  • Day two: 2000 mg
  • Day three: 1000 mg
  • The product must be diluted with 50 mL of 0.167 M sodium lactate injection solution prior to administration.
  • Initiate the first infusion as soon as possible and within the first 6 hours of extravasation.
  • Start day 2 and 3 treatments at the same hour as the first day (give or take 3 hours).
  • Remove cooling features such as ice packs (if used) at least 15 minutes before administration to allow sufficient blood flow to the extravasation area.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • pain or swelling in the place where the medication was injected
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • stomach pain
  • loss of appetite
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • excessive tiredness
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • depression
  • swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • sore throat, fever, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • pale skin
  • weakness
  • shortness of breath
  • rash
  • itching
  • hives
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
  • dizziness
  • fainting

More common

  • Blurred or double vision
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • difficulty in walking
  • discouragement
  • dizziness
  • drooping eyelids
  • fainting
  • feeling sad or empty
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • irritability
  • jaw pain
  • lack or loss of appetite
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • muscle pain, spasms, cramps, or stiffness
  • nausea
  • numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
  • pain in the fingers and toes
  • pain in the testicles
  • pain or burning in the throat
  • pain or redness at the site of injection
  • pale skin at the site of injection
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • stomach pain
  • swelling or inflammation of the mouth
  • thinning of the hair
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping
  • vomiting
  • weight loss

Rare

  • Bluish color
  • changes in skin color
  • chest pain or tightness
  • chills
  • cold hands and feet
  • cough
  • fever
  • hoarseness
  • lower back or side pain
  • pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
  • tenderness
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Black, tarry stools
  • chest discomfort
  • fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
  • pain at the injection site
  • ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

Drug Interactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

FDA Pregnancy Risk Category: C 

Pregnancy

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during pregnancy. This drug can cause fetal harm; if this drug is used during pregnancy, or the patient becomes pregnant, apprise them of the potential hazard to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

Lactation

No information is available on the use of dexrazoxane during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends that women not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks following the final dose of dexrazoxane. However, because dexrazoxane is used with doxorubicin, the abstinence period might be longer, depending on the doxorubicin dose.

How should this medicine be used?

Dexrazoxane injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital. When dexrazoxane injection is used to prevent heart damage caused by doxorubicin, it is given over 15 minutes just before each dose of doxorubicin. When dexrazoxane injection is used to prevent tissue damage after an anthracycline medication has leaked out of a vein, it is given over 1 to 2 hours once a day for 3 days. The first dose is given as soon as possible within the first 6 hours after the leak occurs, and the second and third doses are given about 24 and 48 hours after the first dose.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving dexrazoxane injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexrazoxane, any other medications, or any ingredients in dexrazoxane injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) topical products.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to father a child. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving dexrazoxane injections. If you are receiving a dexrazoxane injection (Zinecard), you should use birth control during your treatment. If you are receiving dexrazoxane injection (Totect), you should use birth control during your treatment and for at least 6 months after your final dose. If you are male, you and your female partner should use birth control during your treatment and for 3 months after you stop receiving dexrazoxane injections (Protect). Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you or your partner become pregnant while receiving dexrazoxane injection, call your doctor. Dexrazoxane may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are receiving dexrazoxane (Zinecard) injections. If you are receiving dexrazoxane injection (Totect), you should not breastfeed while you are receiving treatment and for 2 weeks after your final dose.
  • you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving dexrazoxane injections.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving a dexrazoxane injection.
  • you should know that treatment with dexrazoxane injection decreases but does not eliminate the risk that doxorubicin will damage your heart. Your doctor will still need to monitor you carefully to see how doxorubicin has affected your heart.

References

  1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020212s017lbl.pdf
  2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020212s013lbl.pdf
  3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/022025s015lbl.pdf
  4. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/dexrazoxanehydrochloride
  5. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dexrazoxane
  6. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dexrazoxane-hydrochloride
  7. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00380
  8. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609010.html
  9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexrazoxane
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560559/
  11. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/dexrazoxane.html
  12. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11480/dexrazoxane-hcl-intravenous/details/list-contraindications
  13. CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
  14. NCI Thesaurus Tree
  15. Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
  16. PubChem
  17. Therapeutic category of drugs in Japan
    Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification
    Target-based classification of drugs
  18. LICENSE
    Data: CC-BY 4.0; Code (hosted by ECI, LCSB): Artistic-2.0
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
  19. NCBI

 

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