Procarbazine

Procarbazine

Systematic (IUPAC) name
N-isopropyl-4-[(2-methylhydrazino)methyl]benzamide
Clinical data
Trade names	Matulane
AHFS/Drugs.com	monograph
MedlinePlus	a682094
Pregnancy cat.	D(AU) D(US)
Legal status	℞ Prescription only
Routes	Oral (Gel Capsule), intravenous
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	Hepatic, Renal
Half-life	10 minutes
Excretion	Renal
Identifiers
CAS number	671-16-9
ATC code	L01XB01
PubChem	CID 4915
DrugBank	APRD00695
ChemSpider	4746 Y
UNII	35S93Y190K Y
KEGG	D08423 Y
ChEMBL	CHEMBL1321 Y
Chemical data
Formula	C12H19N3O
Mol. mass	221.299 g/mol
SMILES	eMolecules & PubChem
InChI InChI=1S/C12H19N3O/c1-9(2)15-12(16)11-6-4-10(5-7-11)8-14-13-3/h4-7,9,13-14H,8H2,1-3H3,(H,15,16) Y Key:CPTBDICYNRMXFX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
Y(what is this?)  (verify)

Procarbazine (Matulane (US), Natulan (Canada), Indicarb (India) is an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain brain cancers (such as Glioblastoma multiforme). It is a member of a group of medicines called alkylating agents. It gained FDA Approved in July 1969. The drug is metabolized and activated in the liver. It also inhibits MAO thus increasing the effects of sympathomimetics, TCAs, and tyramine.

Pharmacology

Its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Metabolism yields azo-procarbazine and hydrogen peroxide^{[citation needed]} which results in the breaking of DNA strands.

Indications

When used to treat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it is often delivered as part of the MOPP regimen that includes Mechlorethamine, Vincristine (tradename Oncovin), Prednisone, and Procarbazine. Alternatively, when used to treat certain brain tumors (malignant gliomas), it is often dosed as PCV when combined with Lomustine (often called CCNU) and Vincristine.

Procarbazine is also part of the more modern BEACOPP regimen used for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Side Effects/ Adverse Reactions

When combined with ethanol, procarbazine may cause a disulfiram-like reaction in some patients. It also inhibits the liver's CYP450 microsomal system, which leads to an increased effect of barbiturates, phenothiazenes, and narcotics normally metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes. Has monamine oxidase inhibition properties (MAOI), and should not be taken with most antidepressants and certain migraine medications.

Inhibits MAO in the gastrointestinal system thus can cause hypertensive crises if associated with the ingestion of tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses.

Dose

Adult: 2–4 mg/kg/day either in a single dose or divided, given for 7 days then increased to 4–6 mg/kg/day until response is obtained or mylosupression occurs. Dose should be adjusted for renal (kidney) disease or hepatic (liver) disease.

Dosage Form

50 mg capsules.

External links

• Medline Plus Drug Information
• MOPP Treatment Regimen
• PCV Information
• Procarbazine Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp - Merck Manual
• RX Listing for Matulane