Dactinomycin (Cosmegen)

General information

Class/mechanism: Antibiotic oncologic, intercalates between guanine and cytosine DNA base pairs, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis.
Route: IV
Extravasation: vesicant

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Ewing's sarcoma
• Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
• Osteosarcoma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• Uterine cancer

Patient drug information

• Dactinomycin (Cosmegen) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Dactinomycin (Cosmegen) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 12/10/1964: Initial FDA approval

Also known as

• Generic names: AC-DE, Actinomycin D
• Brand names: Cosmegen, Dacmozen, Lyovac