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Arsenic Trioxide - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Arsenic Trioxide Medication Information

Get detailed information on Arsenic Trioxide, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Arsenic Trioxide provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Arsenic Trioxide
Pronunciation :

Trade Names/Brand Names of Arsenic Trioxide

India :

International :


Trisenox

Overview of Arsenic Trioxide

Arsenic trioxide is a chemotherapeutic agent used in treating blood and bone marrow cancers known as Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). It exerts anti-cancer effects by regulating tumor suppressor mechanisms such as apoptosis (cell death) and autophagy (cell eating).

Why is Arsenic Trioxide Prescribed? (Indications)

In the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia, arsenic trioxide has been known to display strong anti-tumor effects with few toxic effects.

Arsenic trioxide is prescribed as first and second line therapy for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).

When used in combination with tretinoin, it can treat newly diagnosed low-risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). (1 Trusted Source
Arsenic Trioxide

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When should Arsenic Trioxide not be taken? (Contraindications)

  • Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to arsenic trioxide.
  • It is contraindicated in pregnant and nursing women as it may cause harmful effects on the baby.
  • Patients with liver and kidney ailments.
  • Patients with severe heart conditions.
  • Patients with heart rhythm disorders, particularly Long QT syndrome.

How should Arsenic Trioxide be taken?

For newly diagnosed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL):
  • Induction therapy: The initial treatment to treat leukemia
    • Administer intravenously at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg daily until leukemia remission.
    • For induction therapy do not exceed more than 60 doses.
  • Consolidation treatment: To prevent leukemia recurrence
    • Start consolidation process 3-6 weeks following the end of induction therapy.
    • Administer 25 doses intravenously at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg daily for a period of up to 5 week.
    • The intravenous infusion is generally administered for 1-2 hours; it may be extended up to 4 hours if side effects are observed. (2 Trusted Source
      Trisenox

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      )

Missed a Dose?

It is important to administer doses as per the dosing schedule.
If you missed a dose, consult with your doctor for a new dosing schedule.

What are the warnings and precautions for Arsenic Trioxide?

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, avoid taking arsenic trioxide, as it may harm the fetus.

Do not breastfeed while taking arsenic trioxide, as it may impart toxic effects via breast milk to the baby.

Arsenic trioxide is a human carcinogen, so it is important to monitor yourself against the rise of any new cancer.

Arsenic trioxide may lead to cardiac conduction abnormalities, so it is advised to maintain your mineral concentration as follows:
  • Potassium: above 4 mEq/L
  • Magnesium: above 1.8 mg/dL
Consult your doctor before using arsenic trioxide with any other medications.

If you have any pre-existing conditions such as kidney disease or heart disease, consult your doctor prior to taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Arsenic Trioxide?

Some general side effects of Arsenic trioxide are:
  General: Headache, fatigue, dizziness
  Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
  Respiratory: Cough, shortness of breath (dypnea)
  Endocrine: High glucose level (hyperglycemia), Low potassium level (hypokalemia)
  Others: Swelling (edema), rashes (3 Trusted Source
Arsenic Trioxide Injection

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What are the other precautions for Arsenic Trioxide?

When taken along with tretinoin, it may cause serious, life-threatening APL differentiation syndrome. Consult your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, weight gain, shortness of breath, labored breathing, chest pain, or cough.

What are the Drug Interactions of Arsenic Trioxide?

Arsenic trioxide may interact with the following drugs,

Drugs that increases the QT/QTc Interval:

Drugs such as amiodarone, clarithromycin, and haloperidol may increase the chances of serious QT/QTc interval prolongation when taken along with arsenic trioxide. Discontinue such drugs while on this medication.

Carefully monitor the patient's ECGs if discontinuation is not possible.

Drugs that can lead to Electrolyte Abnormalities:

Usage of drugs such as amphotericin B, and hydroflumethiazide along with arsenic trioxide may increase the chances of serious QT/QTc interval prolongation. To avoid such interactions do not take them together.

Regularly monitor the patient's electrolyte levels if discontinuation is not possible.

Drugs that can lead to Hepatotoxicity:

Usage of drugs such as isoniazid, and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium along with arsenic trioxide may lead to hepatotoxicity. To avoid such interactions do not take them together.

Regularly monitor the patient's liver function tests if discontinuation is not possible.(3 Trusted Source
Arsenic Trioxide Injection

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)

What are the storage conditions for Arsenic Trioxide?

Store at 25°C (77°F).
Excursions (change in temperature during transportation) are permitted at 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F).
Arsenic trioxide is a cytotoxic drug; Store them in a cool, well ventilated area in a tightly closed containers.
Keep them in area away from moisture, metals and combustibles.(4 Trusted Source
Prescribing Information Arsenic Trioxide

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