Procarbazine

Procarbazine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
N-isopropyl-4-[(2-methylhydrazino)methyl]benzamide
Clinical data
Trade names Matulane
AHFS/Drugs.com monograph
MedlinePlus a682094
Pregnancy cat. D(AU) D(US)
Legal status Prescription only
Routes Oral (Gel Capsule), intravenous
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability  ?
Metabolism Hepatic, Renal
Half-life 10 minutes
Excretion Renal
Identifiers
CAS number 671-16-9
ATC code L01XB01
PubChem CID 4915
DrugBank APRD00695
ChemSpider 4746 Y
UNII 35S93Y190K Y
KEGG D08423 Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL1321 Y
Chemical data
Formula C12H19N3O 
Mol. mass 221.299 g/mol
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
 Y(what is this?)  (verify)

Procarbazine (Matulane (US), Natulan (Canada), Indicarb (India) is an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain brain cancers (such as Glioblastoma multiforme). It is a member of a group of medicines called alkylating agents. It gained FDA Approved in July 1969. The drug is metabolized and activated in the liver. It also inhibits MAO thus increasing the effects of sympathomimetics, TCAs, and tyramine.

Contents

Pharmacology

Its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Metabolism yields azo-procarbazine and hydrogen peroxide which results in the breaking of DNA strands.

Indications

When used to treat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it is often delivered as part of the MOPP regimen that includes Mechlorethamine, Vincristine (tradename Oncovin), Prednisone, and Procarbazine. Alternatively, when used to treat certain brain tumors (malignant gliomas), it is often dosed as PCV when combined with Lomustine (often called CCNU) and Vincristine.

Procarbazine is also part of the more modern BEACOPP regimen used for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Side Effects/ Adverse Reactions

When combined with ethanol, procarbazine may cause a disulfiram-like reaction in some patients. It also inhibits the liver's CYP450 microsomal system, which leads to an increased effect of barbiturates, phenothiazenes, and narcotics normally metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes. Has monamine oxidase inhibition properties (MAOI), and should not be taken with most antidepressants and certain migraine medications.

Inhibits MAO in the gastrointestinal system thus can cause hypertensive crises if associated with the ingestion of tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses.

Dose

Adult: 2–4 mg/kg/day either in a single dose or divided, given for 7 days then increased to 4–6 mg/kg/day until response is obtained or mylosupression occurs. Dose should be adjusted for renal (kidney) disease or hepatic (liver) disease.

Dosage Form

50 mg capsules.

References

External links