Daunol

Daunol belongs to the group of cytotoxic antibacterial drugs.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Indications Daunol

Daunol is prescribed for acute forms of myelo- and lymphocytic leukemia in order to achieve complete remission.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Pharmacodynamics

Daunol is an antitumor drug from the group of anthracycline antibiotics. Suppression of cancer cells occurs due to inhibition of RNA and DNA synthesis of tumor cell proteins. The drug's principle of action is based on the wedging of anthracycline between adjacent base pairs of the DNA helix, which prevents its unwinding and subsequent renewal.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Pharmacokinetics

After administration, Daunol spreads quickly, especially the drug penetrates the spleen, liver, kidneys, and heart.

Daunol is unable to overcome the barrier between the circulatory and central nervous systems. The conversion processes occur mainly in the liver, during which the active metabolite daunorubicinol is formed.

The half-life in the initial phase is 45 minutes, in the final phase – from 18 to 55 hours. The drug is excreted by the kidneys and gall bladder.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Dosing and administration

Daunol is administered intravenously and is used in a diluted form. Sodium chloride solution is used to prepare the solution.

Adult patients are usually prescribed up to three injections of 40-60 mg/m2 ⁽ every other day).

For acute myeloid leukemia, the recommended dose is 45 mg/m2 ^, for acute lymphocytic leukemia – 45 mg/m2 ^.

Children over two years of age are prescribed the same dosage as adult patients, and those under two years of age are prescribed 1 mg/kg per day.

For elderly patients, it is recommended to reduce the dosage by half.

The number of injections is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the individual reaction of the body to treatment with Daunol.

Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function require dosage adjustment.

Use Daunol during pregnancy

Daunol is contraindicated for pregnant women. If it is necessary to use the medication, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding, since Daunol has a carcinogenic, mutagenic effect and other adverse effects on the fetus).

Contraindications

Daunol is not prescribed in cases of hypersensitivity to some components of the drug, depressed bone marrow function, extreme exhaustion of the body, in the last stages of oncological processes, bone marrow metastasis, viral infections, organic heart disease, peptic ulcer of the digestive organs in the acute stage.

Also, the drug is not prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Side effects Daunol

During treatment with Daunol, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and swelling of the legs may occur. When the dose is increased to 600 mg/m2 ⁽ for children up to 300 mg/ ^m2 ), cardiac paralysis is possible. The toxic effect on the cardiovascular system most often develops in childhood and old age.

Changes in blood composition (increased platelet and leukocyte levels, decreased hemoglobin), nausea, inflammation of the oral mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite, upset stomach, kidney damage (urine may turn red at the beginning of treatment), baldness, reddening (darkening) of the skin, inflammation of the bladder, necrotic changes in the subcutaneous fat, allergic reactions are also possible. In rare cases, bleeding, headaches, ruptured blood vessels, inflammation or necrosis at the injection site may occur.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ]

Overdose

In case of overdose, the drug causes pain in the heart, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, decreased levels of leukocytes, platelets, weakness, and nausea.

In this case, symptomatic treatment is recommended.

[ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ]

Interactions with other drugs

When used simultaneously with radiation therapy and other antitumor agents, Daunol enhances the therapeutic effect and suppresses hematopoietic function.

Cyclophosphamide increases the cardiotoxic effect of Daunol (especially in heart disease).

Daunol reduces the anti-gout effect of allopurine, colchicine, and sulfinpyrazone.

When vaccinating with preparations containing weakened viral microorganisms, a resurgence of the virus and an increase in side effects may be observed; with preparations containing killed viruses, a decrease in antibody production may be observed.

[ 21 ]

Storage conditions

The medicine should be stored in a place protected from sunlight and moisture. The storage temperature should not be higher than 25 ⁰ C. The medicine should be kept out of the reach of children.

[ 22 ], [ 23 ]

Shelf life

Daunol is valid for two years from the date of manufacture.

[ 24 ]