Mechlorethamine Dosage

Applies to the following strengths: 10 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Malignant Disease

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Malignant Disease

IV: 0.4 mg/kg either as a single dose or in divided doses of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg per day
Intracavitary (intrapleurally, intraperitoneal): 0.4 mg/kg
Intrapericardial: 0.2 mg/kg

Comments:

The presence of edema or ascites must be considered so dosage will be based on actual weight unaugmented by these conditions.
The dosage varies with the clinical situation, the therapeutic response and the magnitude of hematologic depression.

Uses:

Intravenously: Palliative treatment of Hodgkin's disease (Stages III and IV), lymphosarcoma, chronic myelocytic or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera, mycosis fungoides, and bronchogenic carcinoma.
Intracavitary and Intrapericardial: Palliative treatment of metastatic carcinoma resulting in pleural, peritoneal, and/or pericardial effusion.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS:

Should be administered only under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
This drug is highly toxic and both powder and solution must be handled and administered with care. Inhalation of dust or vapors and contact with skin or mucous membranes, especially those of the eyes, must be avoided. Avoid exposure during pregnancy. Due to the toxic properties of this drug (e.g., corrosivity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity), special handling procedures should be reviewed prior to handling and followed diligently.
Extravasation of the drug into subcutaneous tissues results in a painful inflammation. The area usually becomes indurated and sloughing may occur. If leakage of drug is obvious, prompt infiltration of the area with sterile isotonic sodium thiosulfate (1/6 molar) and application of an ice compress for 6 to 12 hours may minimize the local reaction. For a 1/6 molar solution of sodium thiosulfate, use 4.14 g of sodium thiosulfate per 100 mL of Sterile Water for Injection or 2.64 g of anhydrous sodium thiosulfate per 100 mL or dilute 4 mL of Sodium Thiosulfate Injection (10%) with 6 mL of Sterile Water for Injection.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

Since this drug is highly toxic, appropriate precautions including the use of appropriate safety equipment are recommended for the preparation of this drug for parenteral administration.
Not for oral administration

Reconstitution/preparation techniques: The manufacturer product information should be consulted.

General:

Repeated examinations of blood are mandatory as a guide to subsequent therapy.
The margin of safety in therapy is narrow and considerable care must be exercised in the matter of dosage.
Solutions of the drug should be prepared immediately before use.
Protect from light and humidity.