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Zuyeyidal: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Zuyeyidal - General Information

A semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin that exhibits antitumor activity. Zuyeyidal inhibits DNA synthesis by forming a complex with topoisomerase II and DNA. This complex induces breaks in double stranded DNA and prevents repair by topoisomerase II binding. Accumulated breaks in DNA prevent entry into the mitotic phase of cell division, and lead to cell death. Zuyeyidal acts primarily in the G2 and S phases of the cell cycle. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Zuyeyidal

Zuyeyidal is an antineoplastic agent and an epipodophyllotoxin (a semisynthetic derivative of the podophyllotoxins). It inhibits DNA topoisomerase II, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis. Zuyeyidal is cell cycle dependent and phase specific, affecting mainly the S and G2 phases. Two different dose-dependent responses are seen. At high concentrations (10 µg/mL or more), lysis of cells entering mitosis is observed. At low concentrations (0.3 to 10 µg/mL), cells are inhibited from entering prophase. It does not interfere with microtubular assembly. The predominant macromolecular effect of etoposide appears to be the induction of DNA strand breaks by an interaction with DNA-topoisomerase II or the formation of free radicals.

 

Zuyeyidal for patients

Patients are generally advised to call their doctor in case of fever, symptoms of infection or painful injection sites, as these may progress severely without adequate medical attention. It is advised to drink lots of fluids after treatment to prevent damage to the bladder and kidneys, typically 1.5 to 3.5 litres of water on the day of treatment and for several days after.

 

Zuyeyidal Interactions

Caution should be exercised when administering ETOPOPHOS with drugs that are known to inhibit phosphatase activities (e.g., levamisole hydrochloride). High-dose cyclosporin A resulting in concentrations above 2000 ng/mL administered with oral etoposide has led to an 80% increase in etoposide exposure with a 38% decrease in total body clearance of etoposide compared to etoposide alone.

 

Zuyeyidal Contraindications

ETOPOPHOS (etoposide phosphate) for Injection is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to etoposide, etoposide phosphate, or any other component of the formulations.

 

Additional information about Zuyeyidal

Zuyeyidal Indication

For use in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of refractory testicular tumors and as first line treatment in patients with small cell lung cancer. Also used to treat other malignancies such as lymphoma, non-lymphocytic leukemia, and glioblastoma multiforme.

Mechanism Of Action
Zuyeyidal inhibits DNA topoisomerase II, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis at the premitotic stage of cell division. Zuyeyidal is cell cycle dependent and phase specific, affecting mainly the S and G2 phases of cell division.
Drug Interactions
Aprepitant Aprepitant may change levels of chemotherapy agent
Food Interactions
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided throughout treatment as grapefruit can decrease serum levels of this product.
Generic Name
Etoposide
Synonyms
(-)-Etoposide; Etoposidum [INN-Latin]; trans-Etoposide
Drug Category
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Etoposide
Eposin; Etopophos; Lastet; Toposar; Vepesid; Vepesid J; Zuyeyidal;
Absorption
Absorbed well, time to peak plasma concentration is 1-1.5 hrs. Mean bioavailability is 50%.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Side effects include alopecia, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and secondary malignancies (leukemia).
Protein Binding
97%
Biotransformation
Primarily hepatic (through O-demethylation via the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme pathway) with 40% excreted unchanged in the urine.
Half Life
4-12 hours
Dosage Forms of Zuyeyidal
Solution Intravenous
Chemical IUPAC Name
4'-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin 9-[4,6-O-(R)-ethylidene-beta-D-glucopyranoside], 4'-(dihydrogen phosphate)
Chemical Formula
C29H32O13
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals