Zanosar
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