Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 26, 2012

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Sjogren's Syndrome »

Sjögren's syndrome facts

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease.
Sjögren's syndrome involves inflammation of glands and other tissues of the body.
About 90% of Sjögren's syndrome patients are female.
Sjögren's syndrome can be complicated by infections of the eyes, breathing passages, and mouth.
Sjögren's syndrome is typically associated with antibodies against a variety of body tissues (autoantibodies).
Diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome can be aided by a saliva-gland biopsy.
Treatment of patients with Sjögren's syndrome is directed toward the particular areas of the body that are involved and complications, such as infection.

What is Sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes. Autoimmune diseases feature the abnormal pr...

Read the Sjogren's Syndrome article »

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Cyclophosphamide is biotransformed principally in the liver to active alkylating metabolites by a mixed function microsomal oxidase system. These metabolites interfere with the growth of susceptible rapidly proliferating malignant cells. The mechanism of action is thought to involve cross-linking of tumor cell DNA.

Cyclophosphamide is well absorbed after oral administration with a bioavailability greater than 75%. The unchanged drug has an elimination half-life of 3 to 12 hours. It is eliminated primarily in the form of metabolites, but from 5 to 25% of the dose is excreted in urine as unchanged drug. Several cytotoxic and noncytotoxic metabolites have been identified in urine and in plasma. Concentrations of metabolites reach a maximum in plasma 2 to 3 hours after an intravenous dose. Plasma protein binding of unchanged drug is low but some metabolites are bound to an extent greater than 60%. It has not been demonstrated that any single metabolite is responsible for either the therapeutic or toxic effects of cyclophosphamide. Although elevated levels of metabolites of cyclophosphamide have been observed in patients with renal failure, increased clinical toxicity in such patients has not been demonstrated.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/25/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.