Vinca alkaloid cytotoxic

Vincristine sulfate (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Oncovin

Vincristine sulfate is a vinca alkaloid cytotoxic given intravenously, widely used in regimens for acute leukaemias, lymphomas and several solid tumours.

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 binds tubulin and inhibits microtubule formation, arresting dividing cells in metaphase.

Prescribing in practice

It is for intravenous use only and is fatal if administered intrathecally; rigorous spinal-injection safety measures are mandatory.
Dose-limiting peripheral neurotoxicity, including sensory and motor neuropathy and autonomic effects such as constipation, is common.
It is a vesicant and a specialist medicine requiring extravasation precautions and expert supervision.

Monitoring

Monitor for peripheral and autonomic neuropathy at each visit, alongside full blood count and bowel function.

Counselling the patient

Report numbness, tingling, weakness, difficulty walking or jaw pain promptly.
Use measures to prevent constipation and report severe or persistent constipation.
Tell staff immediately about pain or swelling at the injection site.

Evidence & guidelines

Vincristine is a core component of established combination regimens endorsed by oncology and haematology guidelines.

Reference: SmPC; 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).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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