Drug reference
busulfan
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Oncology (Anti Neoplastics)
Mechanism of action
Alkylating agent; interferes with DNA replication and RNA transcription; cross-links DNA strands; has little immunosuppressive activity; affects myeloid cells more than lymphoid cells; very toxic to hematopoietic stem cells
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Thrombocytopenia
- Myelosuppression
- Stomatitis
- Diarrhea
Boxed warnings
- Bone marrow suppression is a common occurrence; reduce dose or discontinue oral administration for unusual suppression (bond marrow biopsy may be necessary); hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation is required to prevent potentially fatal complications of prolonged myelosuppression Monitoring is very important after administering these doses This drug should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity, resistance to busulfan Patients without definitive diagnosis of CML
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is busulfan?
busulfan belongs to: Oncology.
How does busulfan work?
Alkylating agent; interferes with DNA replication and RNA transcription; cross-links DNA strands; has little immunosuppressive activity; affects myeloid cells more than lymphoid cells; very toxic to hematopoietic stem cells
What are the common side effects of busulfan?
Neutropenia, Anorexia, Nausea, Thrombocytopenia, Myelosuppression, Stomatitis, Diarrhea
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