What is Irinotecan Hydrochloride
IrinotecanThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryIrinotecan is a cancer medication that works by blocking an enzyme called topoisomerase I, which is needed for cancer cells to grow. It is primarily used to treat colorectal cancer, but it was also approved in 2015 to treat advanced pancreatic cancer. It is derived from camptothecin and works by binding to topoisomerase I-DNA complex, leading to double-strand DNA breakage and cell death.
Camptosaris the brand name
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Camptosar
Irinotecan
1996
56
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Irinotecan, commonly known as Camptosar, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses which include Colorectal Carcinoma and Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma .Colorectal Carcinoma
Used to treat Stage IV Colorectal Cancer in combination with Fluorouracil
Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma
Used to treat Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma in combination with Fluorouracil
Neoplasm Metastasis
Used to treat refractory, metastatic Pancreatic adenocarcinoma in combination with Fluorouracil
Effectiveness
How Irinotecan Hydrochloride Affects PatientsIrinotecan is a drug used to treat colorectal cancer. It works by blocking an enzyme called topoisomerase I which helps manage how the DNA in cells is wound up and relaxed. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 bind to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and prevent it from repairing itself. This prevents the DNA from being able to do key processes like replicating, recombining, and repairing. It is most effective during the S-phase of the cell cycle, when the DNA is actively replicating. The exact contribution of SN-38 to Irinot
How Irinotecan Hydrochloride works in the bodyIrinotecan works by blocking topoisomerase I, an enzyme that helps to repair DNA. When topoisomerase I is blocked, the DNA strand is unable to be repaired, leading to programmed cell death.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Irinotecan Hydrochloride is contingent upon the determined malady, including Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer and Stomach Cancer. The dosage may differ, due to the method of delivery (e.g. Injection, solution or Injection) detailed in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Pancreatic Cancer
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Esophageal Cancer
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Glioblastoma
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Sarcoma
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Small Cell Lung Cancer
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Malignant Neoplasms
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Neoplasm Metastasis
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Stomach Cancer
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Colorectal Carcinoma
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Rhabdomyosarcomas
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Ovarian Cancer
20.0 mg/mL, , 40.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 4.3 mg/mL, 43.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL
Injection, solution, Injection, , Suspension - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Solution, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Irinotecan Hydrochloride.Common Irinotecan Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Irinotecan is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Irinotecan is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Irinotecan is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Irinotecan is combined with Acteoside.
Aldosterone
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Irinotecan is combined with Aldosterone.
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much of a certain drug can lead to stomach issues such as feeling sick, throwing up, stomach aches, having loose bowels, and getting an infection.
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Irinotecan Hydrochloride?
1157 active studies are examining the potential of Irinotecan Hydrochloride to treat Esophageal Cancer, Glioblastoma and Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Ovarian Cancer
231 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Esophageal Cancer
75 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Neoplasm Metastasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Rhabdomyosarcomas
0 Actively Recruiting
Glioblastoma
76 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma
23 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Small Cell Lung Cancer
65 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Colorectal Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Malignant Neoplasms
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Stomach Cancer
132 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Sarcoma
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Pancreatic Cancer
231 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
378 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Irinotecan Hydrochloride?
1Patient Review
2/17/2009 My mother experienced severe negative side effects from this drug, including diarrhea and hair loss. She was hospitalized for two weeks as a result.
Patient Q&A Section about irinotecan hydrochloride
What are indications for irinotecan HCL?
"Irinotecan Hydrochloride medac can be used in combination with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid, and bevacizumab to treat metastatic colon or rectal cancer." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is irinotecan a chemotherapy drug?
"Irinotecan is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer, typically bowel cancer. It is also known by its brand name Campto." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the mechanism of action of irinotecan?
"Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase I from performing its natural function. Without topoisomerase I, the DNA strand cannot be properly religated. This interferes with the moving replication fork, and causes replicative arrest and double-stranded DNA breaks, which are lethal." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is irinotecan used for?
"Irinotecan injection is given alongside other medication (for example, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin) to treat patients with metastatic cancer (a cancer that has already spread) of the colon or rectum." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer