Irinotecan Benefits & Uses

Irinotecan is used to treat the following -

Other Benefits

Irinotecan Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Colorectal Cancer Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 200 mg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 1 Weekly Course Duration: 4 weeks Special Instructions: intravenously over 90 minutes
Geriatric	Disease: Colorectal Cancer Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 200 mg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: 1 Weekly Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: intravenously over 90 minutes

Irinotecan Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Irinotecan is used -

Severe

Anemia (Read More - Home Remedies for Anaemia)
Diarrhoea

Mild

Nausea or vomiting
Hair Loss
Fever (Read More - Home remedies for fever)
पेट दर्द
Back Pain
Rash
Infection

Common

Fatigue
Weakness

Irinotecan Related Warnings

Is the use of Irinotecan safe for pregnant women?

Irinotecan can cause severe side effects if taken during pregnancy, so, pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking it.

Severe
Is the use of Irinotecan safe during breastfeeding?

Irinotecan may cause serious side effects in breastfeeding women, so do not take this drug without doctor's advice.

Severe
What is the effect of Irinotecan on the Kidneys?

Irinotecan has very mild side effects on the kidneys.

Mild
What is the effect of Irinotecan on the Liver?

The liver can be affected by Irinotecan. If you experience any unwanted effects of this drug, stop taking it and consult your doctor. You should restart Irinotecan only after medical advice.

Moderate
What is the effect of Irinotecan on the Heart?

Irinotecan is completely safe for the heart.

Safe

Severe Interaction of Irinotecan with Other Drugs

Irinotecan should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Moderate

Amoxicillin

Guaifenesin

Irinotecan Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Irinotecan unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Liver Disease
Herpes
Neutropenia
Dehydration
Diarrhea (Loose Motions)
Diabetes

Frequently asked Questions about Irinotecan

Is this Irinotecan habit forming or addictive?

No, there is no any evidence that Irinotecan is addictive.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

You may feel sleepy or tired after taking Irinotecan. So it is best to avoid driving.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Irinotecan should be used only after doctor's advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Irinotecan is not used to treat mental disorders.

No

Irinotecan Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Irinotecan

Taking Irinotecan with food is safe.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Irinotecan

No research has been done on this till date. Therefore, it is not known what the effect of taking Irinotecan with alcohol will be.

Unknown

See all substitutes for Irinotecan

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 706-708

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 866

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Camptosar® (Irinotecan)

Irinotecan Injection