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INTRODUCTION

dexrazoxane (deks-ra-zoks-ane)

Totect, Zinecard

Classification

Therapeutic: cardioprotective agents

Pharmacologic: chelating agents

Indications

Reduce incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy from doxorubicin in women with metastatic breast cancer who have already received a cumulative dose of doxorubicin >300 mg/m2. Treatment of extravasation resulting from IV anthracycline chemotherapy.

Action

Acts as an intracellular chelating agent. Therapeutic Effects: Diminishes the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin. Decreased damage from extravasation of anthracyclines.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Hemat: myelosuppression. Local: pain at injection site.

PHYSICAL THERAPY IMPLICATIONS

Examination and Evaluation

  • Monitor signs of cardiomyopathy such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, palpitations, and peripheral/abdominal edema due to fluid accumulation. Increased signs may indicate a lack of drug effects in protecting the heart; notify the physician or nursing staff immediately.

  • Monitor IV injection site for pain, swelling, and irritation. Report prolonged or excessive injection-site reactions to the physician.

Interventions

  • For patients who are medically able to begin exercise, implement appropriate resistive exercises and aerobic training to maintain muscle strength and aerobic capacity during cancer chemotherapy or to help restore function after chemotherapy.

Patient/Client-Related Instruction

  • Because of myelosuppression, advise patient to guard against infection (frequent hand washing, etc.), and to avoid crowds and contact with persons with contagious diseases.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Some metabolism occurs; 42% eliminated in urine.

Half-life: 2.1–2.5 hr.

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TIME/ACTION PROFILE (cardioprotective effect)

ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION
IV rapid unknown unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Any other type of chemotherapy except other anthracyclines (doxorubicin-like agents).

Use Cautiously in: CCr <40 mL/min (dose reduction required); OB: Pregnancy, lactation, or children (safety not established).

Interactions

Drug-Drug: Myelosuppression may be ↑ by antineoplastics or radiation therapy. Antitumor effects of concurrent combination chemotherapy with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide may be ↓ by dexrazoxane.

Route/Dosage

Cardioprotective

IV (Adults): 10 mg of dexrazoxane/1 mg doxorubicin.

Renal Impairment

IV (Adults): decrease dose by 50%.

Extravasation protection

IV (Adults): 1000 mg/m2 (maximum 2000 mg) given on days 1 and 2, and followed by a dose of 500 mg/m2 (maximum 1000 mg) on day 3.

Renal Impairment

IV (Adults CCr <40 mL/min): decrease ...

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