Question 1

What is Irinotecan used for?

Accepted Answer

Irinotecan is indicated for: Brain tumors (investigational, CNS penetration), Colorectal carcinoma, lymphoma.

Question 2

What routes can Irinotecan be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV.

Question 3

Which species have cited Irinotecan dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Irinotecan dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 1 species: Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Irinotecan a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Irinotecan is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Irinotecan?

Accepted Answer

Early and late diarrhea syndromes. Early: cholinergic (treat with atropine). Late: secretory (potentially fatal). Myelosuppression. Atropine pretreatment recommended in dogs.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Irinotecan?

Accepted Answer

Early and late diarrhea syndromes. Early: cholinergic (treat with atropine). Late: secretory (potentially fatal). Myelosuppression. Atropine pretreatment recommended in dogs.

Question 7

How does Irinotecan work?

Accepted Answer

Prodrug converted by carboxylesterases to active metabolite SN-38, which inhibits topoisomerase I. SN-38 is 100-1000x more potent than parent compound.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	80–120 mg/kg	80-120mg/m2 IV over 90 min q14-21 days	Weak	Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 6th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	IV	60–80 mg/kg	60-80mg/m2 IV over 90 min q14 days	Anecdotal	Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 6th Ed

Irinotecan

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Irinotecan dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

Upgrade for Full Details