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Zanosar: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Zanosar - General Information

An antibiotic that is produced by Stretomyces achromogenes. It is used as an antineoplastic agent and to induce diabetes in experimental animals. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Zanosar

Zanosar is an antitumour antibiotic consisting of a nitrosourea moiety interposed between a methyl group and a glucosamine. Zanosar is indicated in the treatment of metastatic islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Zanosar inhibits DNA synthesis in bacterial and mammalian cells. In bacterial cells, a specific interaction with cytosine moieties leads to degradation of DNA. The biochemical mechanism leading to mammalian cell death has not been definitely established; streptozocin inhibits cell proliferation at a considerably lower level than that needed to inhibit precursor incorporation into DNA or to inhibit several of the enzymes involved in DNA synthesis. Although streptozocin inhibits the progression of cells into mitosis, no specific phase of the cell cycle is particularly sensitive to its lethal effects.

 

Zanosar for patients

 

Zanosar Interactions

ZANOSAR may demonstrate additive toxicity when used in combination with other cytotoxic drugs. Streptozocin has been reported to prolong the elimination half-life of doxorubicin and may lead to severe bone marrow suppression; a reduction of the doxorubicin dosage should be considered in patients receiving ZANOSAR concurrently. The concurrent use of strep-tozocin and phenytoin has been reported in one case to result in reduced streptozocin cytotoxicity.

 

Zanosar Contraindications

No specific information is available.

 

Additional information about Zanosar

Zanosar Indication: For the treatment of malignant neoplasms of pancreas (metastatic islet cell carcinoma). Mechanism Of Action: Although its mechanism of action is not completely clear, streptozocin is known to inhibit DNA synthesis, interfere with biochemical reactions of NAD and NADH, and inhibit some enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis. Its activity appears to occur as a result of formation of methylcarbonium ions, which alkylate or bind with many intracellular molecular structures including nucleic acids. Its cytotoxic action is probably due to cross-linking of strands of DNA, resulting in inhibition of DNA synthesis. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Streptozocin Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Antibiotics; Antineoplastic Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Streptozocin: STREPTOZOTOCIN; STRZ; STZ; Streptozocin [Usan-Inn]; Streptozocine [Inn-French]; Streptozocinium [Latin]; Streptozocinum [Inn-Latin]; Streptozoticin; Zanosar; Absorption: Poor oral absorption (17-25%) Toxicity (Overdose): Symptoms of overdose include nausea and vomiting, anorexia, myelosuppression; and nephrotoxicity. Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Primarily hepatic Half Life: 5-15 minutes Dosage Forms of Zanosar: Powder, for solution Intravenous Chemical IUPAC Name: 1-methyl-1-nitroso-3-[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]urea Chemical Formula: C8H15N3O7 Streptozocin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptozocin Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals