Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DACARBAZINE versus VALCHLOR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DACARBAZINE versus VALCHLOR.
DACARBAZINE vs VALCHLOR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Alkylating agent; inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis by forming covalent bonds with DNA, leading to cross-linking and strand breaks. Also inhibits purine synthesis and has some activity as a methylating agent.
Valchlor (mechlorethamine) is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent that forms cross-links between DNA strands, leading to inhibition of DNA replication and transcription, and inducing apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells.
2.4-4.5 mg/kg IV daily for 10 days every 28 days; or 250 mg/m2 IV daily for 5 days every 21 days; or 375-450 mg/m2 IV single dose every 21-28 days.
Topical: Apply 0.016% mechlorethamine gel to affected areas once daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateDacarbazine + Digoxin
"Dacarbazine may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Digoxin."
Clinical Note
moderateDacarbazine + Digitoxin
"Dacarbazine may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Digitoxin."
Clinical Note
moderateDacarbazine + Deslanoside
"Dacarbazine may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Deslanoside."
Clinical Note
moderateDacarbazine + Acetyldigitoxin
"Dacarbazine may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Acetyldigitoxin."
Terminal half-life: 5 hours (range 3-8 h) after IV administration; biphasic decay with initial half-life ~19 min.
The terminal elimination half-life is approximately 24 hours after topical application, supporting daily dosing. Systemic half-life may be prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal: 40-50% unchanged; hepatic: 30-50% as metabolites (primarily 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide); <10% fecal.
Following topical application, VALCHLOR (mechlorethamine) is systemically absorbed; approximately <10% is excreted unchanged in urine. The majority of the dose is eliminated via metabolism and biliary/fecal routes, with ~50% of a systemic dose recovered in feces as metabolites.
Category D/X
Category C
Alkylating Agent
Alkylating Agent