Vinblastine Sulfate (Vinblastine Sulfate Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Vinblastine Sulfate

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Vinblastine Sulfate

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VinBLAStine Sulfate for Injection USP (vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) injection)

WARNING

Caution – This preparation should be administered by individuals experienced in the administration of vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) . It is extremely important that the intravenous needle or catheter be properly positioned before any vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) is injected. Leakage into surrounding tissue during intravenous administration of vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) may cause considerable irritation. If extravasation occurs, the injection should be discontinued immediately, and any remaining portion of the dose should then be introduced into another vein. Local injection of hyaluronidase and the application of moderate heat to the area of leakage help disperse the drug and are thought to minimize discomfort and the possibility of cellulitis.

FATAL IF GIVEN INTRATHECALLY. FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY.

See WARNINGS for the treatment of patients given intrathecal vinblastine.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Vinblastine Sulfate for Injection USP is vincaleukoblastine, sulfate (1:1) (salt). It is the salt of an alkaloid extracted from Vinca rosea Linn., a common flowering herb known as the periwinkle (more properly known as Catharanthus roseus G. Don). Previously, the generic name was vincaleukoblastine, abbreviated VLB. It is a stathmokinetic oncolytic agent. When treated in vitro with this preparation, growing cells are arrested in metaphase.

Chemical and physical evidence indicates that vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) has the molecular formula C₄₆H₅₈O₉N₄•H₂SO₄ and that it is a dimeric alkaloid containing both indole and dihydroindole moieties.

The structural formula is as follows:

Vinblastine Sulfate structural formula illustration

M.W.= 909.07

Vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) is a white to off-white powder. It is freely soluble in water, soluble in methanol, and slightly soluble in ethanol. It is insoluble in benzene, ether, and naphtha.

The clinical formulation is supplied in a sterile form for intravenous use only. Vials of Vinblastine Sulfate for Injection USP (vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) injection) contain 10 mg (0.011 mmol) of vinblastine sulfate (vinblastine sulfate injection) , in the form of a white, amorphous, solid lyophilized plug, without excipients. After reconstitution with sodium chloride solution, the pH of the resulting solution lies in the range of 3.5 to 5.

What are the precautions when taking vinblastine sulfate injection (Vinblastine Sulfate)?

Before using vinblastine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bone marrow problems (e.g., low white count/platelets from previous chemotherapy/radiation treatment, tumor in the bone marrow), untreated bacterial infection.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: blood vessel problems (e.g., blood clots, stroke, Raynaud's disease, varicose veins), heart disease (e.g., angina,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Vinblastine Sulfate »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/13/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.