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Procarbazine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Mechanism of Action

The precise mode of cytotoxic action of procarbazine has not been clearly defined. There is evidence that the drug may act by inhibition of protein, RNA and DNA synthesis. Studies have suggested that procarbazine may inhibit the transmethylation of methyl groups of methionine into t-RNA. The absence of functional t-RNA could cause the cessation of protein synthesis and consequently DNA and RNA synthesis. In addition, procarbazine may directly damage DNA. Hydrogen peroxide, formed during the auto-oxidation of the drug, may attack protein sulfhydryl groups contained in residual protein which is tightly bound to DNA. Procarbazine is an antineoplastic in the class of alkylating agents and is used to treat various forms of cancer. Alkylating agents are so named because of their ability to add alkyl groups to many electronegative groups under conditions present in cells. They stop tumor growth by cross-linking guanine bases in DNA double-helix strands – directly attacking DNA. This makes the strands unable to uncoil and separate. As this is necessary in DNA replication, the cells can no longer divide. In addition, these drugs add methyl or other alkyl groups onto molecules where they do not belong which in turn inhibits their correct utilization by base pairing and causes a miscoding of DNA. Procarbazine is cell-phase specific for the S phase of cell division.

or

O-6-Methylguanine was measured in the blood leukocyte DNA of seven patients with Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during therapeutic exposure to procarbazine involving three daily p.o. doses (50 mg each) for 10 days (corresponding to 2.1 mg/kg/day for a 70-kg human). Adduct accumulation was observed in all seven cases, reaching levels up to 0.28 fmol/microgram of DNA (0.45 umol/mol of guanine). In one individual, maximal levels of adduct were reached after 7 days of exposure, followed by a steady decline, whereas in all other individuals continuous accumulation was observed throughout the exposure period. In four individuals for which data were available for day 11 (12 to 16 hr after the final intake of procarbazine), decreased amounts of O-6-methylguanine were observed relative to the last previous measurements. The accumulation of O-6-methylguanine was linearly correlated with the cumulative dose of procarbazine, with a slope of 0.011 fmol of O-6-methylguanine/microgram of DNA per mg/kg of body weight or 2.68×10-4 fmol of O-6-methylguanine DNA per mg/sq m. Two hr after the administration of single p.o. doses of l to 10 mg/kg of procarbazine to rats, O-6-methylguanine formation in leukocyte DNA was just under half that in liver DNA and showed a linear relationship with dose with a slope of 0.017 fmol/microgram of DNA per mg/kg of body weight or 5.67×10-4 fmol of O-6-methylguanine/microgram of DNA per mg/sq m. A negative correlation between the rate of accumulation of O-6-methylguanine in different individuals and lymphocyte O-6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase was observed, demonstrating a probable protective effect of O-6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase against the accumulation of O-6-methylguanine during exposure to methylating agents. This observation supports the suggestion of a possible role of procarbazine-induced O-6-methylguanine in the pathogenesis of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia appearing after treatment with chemotherapeutic protocols which include procarbazine, based on the finding of low lymphocyte O-6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase levels in patients with such therapy-related neoplastic disease. Lymphocyte O-6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase levels were mainly in the range of 5 to 10 fmol/micrograms of DNA and showed no consistent variation during procarbazine exposure.

Indications

  • For use with other anticancer drugs for the treatment of stage III and stage IV Hodgkin’s disease.
  • Procarbazine is an orally administered alkylating agent used in combination with other antineoplastic agents in the therapy of Hodgkin’s disease and malignant melanoma. Procarbazine therapy has been associated with serum enzyme elevations during therapy and with rare cases of idiosyncratic, clinically apparent acute liver injury.
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
  • Oligodendrogliomas
  • Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
  • Stage III Hodgkin’s Disease
  • Stage IV Hodgkin’s Disease
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
  • Oligodendrogliomas
  • Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
  • Stage III Hodgkin’s Disease
  • Stage IV Hodgkin’s Disease

Contraindication

The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

  • is allergic to procarbazine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
  • has severe depletion of neutrophils (white blood cells), platelets, or red blood cell
  • a bacterial infection
  • opportunistic fungal infection
  • an infection due to a protozoa organism
  • decreased function of bone marrow
  • anemia
  • increased risk of bleeding due to clotting disorder
  • decreased blood platelets
  • low levels of white blood cells
  • alcoholism
  • a painful condition that affects the nerves in the legs and arms called peripheral neuropathy
  • liver problems
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function
  • an increased risk of developing an uncommon viral infection called an opportunistic infection

Dosage

Strengths: 50 mg

Hodgkin’s Disease

As a single agent:

  • Initial dose: Single or divided doses of 2 to 4 mg/kg/day orally for one week (to minimize nausea and vomiting experienced by a high percentage of patients beginning therapy)
  • Maintenance dose: 4 to 6 mg/kg/day orally until a maximum response is obtained or until the white blood count falls below 4000 or the platelets fall below 100,000; when the maximum response is obtained the dose may be maintained at 1 to 2 mg/kg/day orally
  • Discontinue therapy for hematologic or other toxicity until satisfactory recovery, then resume therapy (at the discretion of the physician based on patient evaluation and laboratory studies) at 1 to 2 mg/kg/day

In combination with other anticancer drugs:

  • The dose of this drug should be reduced (e.g., in the MOPP regimen, the dose is 100 mg/m2/day for 14 days)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hodgkin’s Disease

Close clinical monitoring is necessary to minimize toxicity (e.g., tremors, coma, convulsions). Dosage should be individualized. The following dosage schedule is provided as a guideline only:

  • Initial dose: 50 mg/m2/day orally for the first week
  • Maintenance dose: 100 mg/m2/day orally until a maximum response is obtained or until leukopenia or thrombocytopenia occurs; when the maximum response is obtained the dose may be maintained at 50 mg/m2/day orally
  • Discontinue therapy for hematologic or other toxicity until satisfactory recovery, then resume therapy (at the discretion of the physician based on patient evaluation and laboratory studies).

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • nausea, vomiting,
  • leukopenia and thrombocytopenia
  • somnolence, lethargy, hallucinations, confusion,
  • agitation,
  • cerebellar ataxia,
  • paresthesias, myalgia, a
  • decrease of deep tendon reflexes,
  • hypotension and allergic skin reactions.
  • arthralgia, fever, weakness,
  • dermatitis, coma, alopecia, and convulsions.
  • anorexia, stomatitis, diarrhea, drowsiness, and depression.
  • bone marrow depression,
  • hemolysis, bleeding tendencies, psychoses, dizziness,
  • peripheral neuropathy, tremors, flu-like syndrome,
  • pulmonary reactions, tachycardia,
  • ocular defects such as blurred vision and
  • papilledema, impaired liver function,

More Common

  • shortness of breath, pneumonitis, and productive cough.
  • peripheral leukocyte and platelet counts,
  • optic neuroretinitis and pulmonary eosinophilia.
  • anemia, dry mouth, dysphagia,
  • constipation, fatigue pruritus,
  • herpes, hyperpigmentation, flushing, intercurrent infections,
  • pleura effusion, edema,
  • jaundice, headache,
  • apprehension, nervousness,
  • inability to focus, insomnia,
  • pyrexia, hypersensitivity reactions,
  • hemorrhage, pancytopenia eosinophilia,
  • petechiae, purpura, epistaxis,
  • hemoptysis, hematemesis, melena,
  • nystagmus, urticaria, hearing loss,
  • \diaphoresis, chills, hoarseness,
  • slurred speech, enteritis, nightmares, falling,
  • unsteadiness, abdominal pain, syncope, retinal hemorrhage,
  • photophobia, diplopia, hematuria,
  • urinary frequency, nocturia, foot drop and fetal harm.
  • palpitations, sweating,
  • hypotension and dyspnea.

Rare

  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • fainting
  • fever
  • fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
  • hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
  • missing menstrual periods
  • shortness of breath
  • signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on skin, black tarry stools, bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
  • signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
  • signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
  • lung infection (e.g., difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing)
  • skin rash, hives, or itching
  • sores in mouth and on lips
  • symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g. pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)
  • tingling or numbness of fingers or toes
  • tiredness or weakness (continuing)
  • unusual infections (symptoms may include fever or chills, sore throat, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, painful or difficult urination, or listlessness)
  • vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, increased sensitivity to sunlight)

Drug interactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

FDA Pregnancy Category D

Pregnancy

There is a possibility of birth defects if either the father or mother is taking procarbazine at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use effective birth control while you are being treated with this medication. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if procarbazine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

How should this medicine be used?

Procarbazine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken one or more times a day. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have. Take procarbazine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take procarbazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose of procarbazine or stop your treatment for a period of time depending on your response to treatment and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking procarbazine,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to procarbazine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in procarbazine capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor if you are taking or you plan to take any of the following prescription or non-prescription medications: certain antidepressants including amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil); medications for asthma; medications for allergies, hay fever; medications containing alcohol (cough and cold products, such as Nyquil, and other liquid products); and nasal decongestants, including nose drops and sprays. Your doctor may tell you not to take these medications with procarbazine and may suggest other treatment(s).
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: barbiturate medications such as phenobarbital; medications for high blood pressure; medications for nausea or mental illness; opioid (narcotic) medications for pain; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with procarbazine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • tell your doctor if you have received radiation therapy or other chemotherapy within the last 4 weeks.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant or breast-feed while you are taking procarbazine. If you become pregnant while receiving procarbazine, call your doctor. Procarbazine may harm the fetus.
  • know that you should not drink alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) while taking this drug. Alcohol may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, sweating, and flushing (redness of the face).
  • tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Smoking may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers. You should stop smoking.

References

  1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Procarbazine-hydrochloride
  2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Procarbazine
  3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/procarbazine.html
  4. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01168
  5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682094.html
  6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/procarbazine.html
  7. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6893/procarbazine-oral/details/list-contraindications
  8. CAMEO Chemical Reactivity Classification
  9. LICENSE
    The data from CAS Common Chemistry is provided under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
  10. Procarbazine hydrochloride [USAN:USP:JAN]
    ChemIDplus Chemical Information Classification
  11. CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
  12. NCI Thesaurus Tree
  13. IARC Classification
  14. procarbazine hydrochloride
  15. PubChem
  16. LICENSE
    Academic users may freely use the KEGG website. Non-academic use of KEGG generally requires a commercial license
    Therapeutic category of drugs in Japan
    Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification
    Drugs listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia
  17. LICENSE
    Data: CC-BY 4.0; Code (hosted by ECI, LCSB): Artistic-2.0
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

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