Vinblastine

Name

• Vinblastine.

Class of drug

• Vinca alkaloid anti-neoplastic agent derived from the periwinkle plant ( Vinca rosea).

Uses

Action

• Interferes with microtubule assembly causing metaphase arrest.
• Cell cycle specific drug, active during M phase.

Indications

• Mast cell tumor .
• Lymphoma .
• Less often carcinomas.

Adverse reactions

Effects of overdosage

• Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.
• GI toxicity - anorexia, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Other reported reactions

• Vesicant if given perivascularly.

• Delayed hair regrowth.
• Mild to moderate myelosuppression.
• Gastroenterocolitis.
• Ileus

• Peripheral neuropathy.
• SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion).
• Loss of deep tendon reflexes.

(Rare in human patients; not reported in dogs and cats).

Treatment

• Leukopenia:
  • Prophylactic antibiotics .
  • G-CSF (rarely if ever indicated).
• Vesicant:
  • Initially cool, then warm compresses to site.
  • Bandaging or E-collar to avoid self-trauma.
  • Surgical debridement not usually necessary.