Daunorubicin
Daunorubicin is an anthracycline aminoglycoside antineoplastic antibiotic. It exhibits cytotoxic activity through DNA intercalation, inhibition of topoisomerase II, and the generation of free radicals, thereby blocking DNA and RNA synthesis. It is a highly potent chemotherapy agent administered exclusively via the intravenous route under strict clinical supervision.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized and must be calculated by an oncologist. Dosing is typically based on Body Surface Area (BSA) in square meters (mg/m2) or body weight in infants. Extreme caution and monitoring for cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression are required.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / Specialized calculation required
- Frequency
- Strictly as directed by an oncologist
- Tracking Notes
- Standard dosing based on body surface area (BSA) is typically modified to body-weight-based calculations (mg/kg) for infants weighing less than 10 kg to avoid severe toxicity.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) rather than BSA
- Frequency
- As dictated by specific pediatric leukemia protocols
- Tracking Notes
- Often calculated at 1 mg/kg or 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg depending on the specific trial/protocol to reduce risk of cardiotoxicity.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) or BSA
- Frequency
- As dictated by chemotherapy regimen
- Tracking Notes
- Transition zone between weight-based dosing and BSA-based dosing. Requires strict monitoring of blood counts and cardiac function.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Dosed by BSA (typically 25 mg/m2 to 45 mg/m2)
- Frequency
- Given on specific days of the chemotherapy cycle
- Tracking Notes
- Requires precise calculation of Body Surface Area (BSA) using accurate height and weight measurements.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Dosed by BSA (typically 25 mg/m2 to 45 mg/m2)
- Frequency
- Given on specific days of the chemotherapy cycle
- Tracking Notes
- Doses are rounded according to local institutional protocols. Cumulative lifetime dose must be tracked closely to prevent cardiomyopathy.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / Specialized calculation required | Strictly as directed by an oncologist | Standard dosing based on body surface area (BSA) is typically modified to body-weight-based calculations (mg/kg) for infants weighing less than 10 kg to avoid severe toxicity. |
| 5-7 kg | Calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) rather than BSA | As dictated by specific pediatric leukemia protocols | Often calculated at 1 mg/kg or 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg depending on the specific trial/protocol to reduce risk of cardiotoxicity. |
| 8-10 kg | Calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) or BSA | As dictated by chemotherapy regimen | Transition zone between weight-based dosing and BSA-based dosing. Requires strict monitoring of blood counts and cardiac function. |
| 11-15 kg | Dosed by BSA (typically 25 mg/m2 to 45 mg/m2) | Given on specific days of the chemotherapy cycle | Requires precise calculation of Body Surface Area (BSA) using accurate height and weight measurements. |
| 16-20 kg | Dosed by BSA (typically 25 mg/m2 to 45 mg/m2) | Given on specific days of the chemotherapy cycle | Doses are rounded according to local institutional protocols. Cumulative lifetime dose must be tracked closely to prevent cardiomyopathy. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to induce remission in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) in adults and acute lymphocytic leukemia in children and adults.
Generic Name
Daunorubicin HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Daunorubicin is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.