Flexyx

Flexyx drugs: Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc)

Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc) - General Information:

L-asparagine amidohydrolase from E. coli

Pharmacology:

In a significant number of patients with acute leukemia, the malignant cells are dependent on an exogenous source of asparagine for survival. Normal cells, however, are able to synthesize asparagine and thus are affected less by the rapid depletion produced by treatment with the enzyme asparaginase. Elspar exploits a metabolic defect in asparagine synthesis of some malignant cells.

Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc) for patients

Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc) Interactions

Tissue culture and animal studies indicate that ELSPAR can diminish or abolish the effect of methotrexate on malignant cells.¹⁴ This effect on methotrexate activity persists as long as plasma asparagine levels are suppressed. These results would seem to dictate against the clinical use of methotrexate with ELSPAR, or during the period following ELSPAR therapy when plasma asparagine levels are below normal.

Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc) Contraindications

ELSPAR is contraindicated in patients with pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis. Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, in some instances fatal, has been reported following asparaginase administration.^4-7 Asparaginase is also contraindicated in patients who have had previous anaphylactic reactions to it.

Additional information about Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc)

Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc) Indication: For treatment of acute lympocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma
Mechanism Of Action: Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc) converts asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. It facilitates production of oxaloacetate which is needed for general cellular metabolism. Some malignant cells lose the ability to produce asparagine and so the loss of exogenous sources of asparagine leads to cell death.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Asparaginase
Synonyms: L-asparagine amidohydrolase; Putative L-asparaginase precursor
Drug Category: Antineoplastic Agents
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Asparaginase: Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc);
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: 8-30 hrs
Dosage Forms of Elspar (Merck & Co. Inc): Powder, for solution Intramuscular
Chemical IUPAC Name: E. coli L-asparagine amidohydrolase
Chemical Formula: C1377H2208N382O442S17
Asparaginase on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparaginase
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals