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Acridine Derivative Cytotoxic (Specialist Oncology Drug)

Amsacrine

Brand names: Amsidine

Amsacrine is an intravenous cytotoxic agent (an acridine derivative) used in the treatment of acute leukaemias, generally in relapsed or refractory disease.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, causing DNA strand breaks and inhibition of cell replication in dividing cells.

Prescribing in practice

  • Profound myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity (including arrhythmias, exacerbated by hypokalaemia) are major risks, so correct potassium before dosing and monitor cardiac status.
  • Administered as an intravenous infusion by clinicians experienced in cytotoxic chemotherapy.
  • It is a vesicant/irritant and requires careful intravenous administration to avoid extravasation.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count, serum potassium and magnesium, cardiac rhythm, and liver function during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Report fever, bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection promptly as blood counts can fall.
  • Report palpitations, chest pain, or fainting.
  • Treatment is given in a specialist haematology setting.

Evidence & guidelines

Amsacrine has an established role in acute leukaemia regimens; consult the SPC and current prescribing references for administration and monitoring.

Reference: SACT database; SmPC Amsidine; British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) acute leukaemia guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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