Reversible decreases in steady-state plasma digoxin concentrations and renal glycoside excretion were observed in patients receiving beta-acetyldigoxin and chemotherapy regimens containing cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone with or without cytarabine or procarbazine.

Cytarabine Injection is not active orally. The schedule and method of administration vary with the program of therapy to be used. Cytarabine Injection may be given by intravenous infusion or injection, subcutaneously, or intrathecally (preservative-free preparation only).

In the induction therapy of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, the usual cytarabine dose in combination with other anticancer drugs is 100 mg/m²/day by continuous IV infusion (1 to 7 days) or 100 mg/m² IV every 12 hours (1 to 7 days). The literature should be consulted for the current recommendations for use in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Intrathecal use in meningeal leukemia: Cytarabine Injection has been used intrathecally in acute leukemia in doses ranging from 5 mg/m² to 75 mg/m² of body surface area.

Cytarabine Injection is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug.

Common: Anorexia, oral and anal inflammation, nausea or ulceration, thrombophlebitis, vomiting, hepatic dysfunction, bleeding (all sites), diarrhea, fever.

Rare: Sepsis, sore throat, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, alopecia, urinary retention, allergic edema.

Pregnancy: Teratogenic effects. Pregnancy Category D.

Nursing mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk.

Use in children & adolescents: See indications and usage.

Cytarabine is a potent bone marrow suppressant. Therapy should be started cautiously in patients with pre-existing drug-induced bone marrow suppression. Patients receiving cytarabine must be monitored closely. Frequent platelet and leucocyte counts and bone marrow examinations are mandatory.

There is no antidote for overdosage of cytarabine.

Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C in a dry place. Protect from light.