Indications - Cytarabine is indicated in Leukaemic meningitis, Induction and maintenance of remission in acute leukaemias

Dosage & Administration - Intrathecal (Adult)- Leukaemic meningitis: 5-75 mg/m2 or 30-100 mg once every 2-7 days to once daily for 4 or 5 days. For lymphomatous meningitis: 50 mg every 2 wk for 5 doses, then every 4 wk for 5 doses. Parenteral (Adult)- Induction and maintenance of remission in acute leukaemias: As monotherapy: 200 mg/m2 daily by continuous IV infusion for 5 days, at intervals of approx 2 wk. In combination therapy: 100 mg/m2 bid by rapid IV inj or 100 mg/m2 daily by continuous IV infusion both for 7 days. Maintenance: 1-1.5 mg/kg once or twice wkly via IV or SC.

Side Effects - Nausea, vomiting, fever, rash, diarrhoea, anorexia, oral and anal inflammation or ulceration, hepatic dysfunction, headache, weakness, confusion, thrombocytopenia, fatigue.

Contraindications - Patient with active meningeal infection.

Others - Pregnancy & Lactation Pregnancy Category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).