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Molecule

Daunorubicin

Also known as daunorubicin hydrochloride
Available on requestOrphanCold chainOncology
Presentations
2
Brands
0
Manufacturers
0
Available from stock
0

Daunorubicin is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for remission induction in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) of adults and for remission induction in acute lymphocytic leukemia of children and adults. MedsAcross supplies Daunorubicin for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.

Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review

Key facts

Pharmacological class
Anthracycline Topoisomerase Inhibitor, Topoisomerase Inhibitors
ATC classification
L01DB02 Daunorubicin · Antineoplastic antibiotics, subgroup L01DB
US FDA first approval
19 December 1979
EU status
Not recorded
Orphan designation
Yes
WHO essential medicine
Not recorded
India (CDSCO)
Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists
Routes
Intravenous
Dosage forms
Injection
Identifiers
UNII ZS7284E0ZPRxCUI 3109CAS 20830-81-3DrugBank DB00694Q411659

Clinical information

From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.

Uses

Daunorubicin hydrochloride in combination with other approved anticancer drugs is indicated for remission induction in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) of adults and for remission induction in acute lymphocytic leukemia of children and adults.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

How it works

Daunorubicin has antimitotic and cytotoxic activity through a number of proposed mechanisms of action. Daunorubicin forms complexes with DNA by intercalation between base pairs. It inhibits topoisomerase II activity by stabilizing the DNA-topoisomerase II complex, preventing the religation portion of the ligation-religation reaction that topoisomerase II catalyzes. Single strand and double strand DNA breaks result. Daunorubicin hydrochloride may also inhibit polymerase activity, affect regulation of gene expression, and produce free radical damage to DNA. Daunorubicin hydrochloride possesses an antitumor effect against a wide spectrum of animal tumors, either grafted or spontaneous. Pharmacokinetics General Following intravenous injection of Daunorubicin hydrochloride, plasma levels of daunorubicin decline rapidly, indicating rapid tissue uptake and concentration.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Dosing overview

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Principles In order to eradicate the leukemic cells and induce a complete remission, a profound suppression of the bone marrow is usually required. Evaluation of both the peripheral blood and bone marrow is mandatory in the formulation of appropriate treatment plans. It is recommended that the dosage of daunorubicin hydrochloride be reduced in instances of hepatic or renal impairment.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Contraindications

Daunorubicin hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients who have shown a hypersensitivity to it.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Warnings and precautions

1.Daunorubicin Hydrochloride Injection must be given into a rapidly flowing intravenous infusion. It must never be given by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route. Severe local tissue necrosis will occur if there is extravasation during administration. 2.Myocardial toxicity manifested in its most severe form by potentially fatal congestive heart failure may occur either during therapy or months to years after termination of therapy. Bone Marrow Daunorubicin hydrochloride is a potent bone marrow suppressant. Suppression will occur in all patients given a therapeutic dose of this drug. Therapy with daunorubicin hydrochloride should not be started in patients with pre-existing drug-induced bone marrow suppression unless the benefit from such treatment warrants the risk. Persistent, severe myelosuppression may result in superinfection or hemorrhage.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Side effects

Dose-limiting toxicity includes myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. Other reactions include: Cutaneous Reversible alopecia occurs in most patients. Rash, contact dermatitis and urticaria have occurred rarely. Gastrointestinal Acute nausea and vomiting occur but are usually mild. Antiemetic therapy may be of some help. Mucositis may occur 3 to 7 days after administration. Diarrhea and abdominal pain have occasionally been reported. Local If extravasation occurs during administration, severe local tissue necrosis, severe cellulitis, thrombophlebitis, or painful induration can result. Acute Reactions Rarely, anaphylactoid reaction, fever, and chills can occur. Hyperuricemia may occur, especially in patients with leukemia, and serum uric acid levels should be monitored.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Interactions

Use of daunorubicin in a patient who has previously received doxorubicin increases the risk of cardiotoxicity. Daunorubicin hydrochloride should not be used in patients who have previously received the recommended maximum cumulative doses of doxorubicin or daunorubicin hydrochloride. Cyclophosphamide used concurrently with daunorubicin hydrochloride may also result in increased cardiotoxicity. Dosage reduction of daunorubicin hydrochloride may be required when used concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents. Hepatotoxic medications, such as high-dose methotrexate, may impair liver function and increase the risk of toxicity.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.

All presentations

2 presentations of Daunorubicin, sorted by availability.

MedicineManufacturerRegisterAvailability
Daunorubicin 20 mg/4 mL injectionIntravenous Cold chainGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Daunorubicin 50 mg/10 mL injectionIntravenousGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request

Regulatory status

Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.

RegisterStatusSource
US FDAFirst approved 19 December 1979Drugs@FDA
EU (EMA)Not recorded—
India (CDSCO)Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists—
United StatesRegisteredUS FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026

Conditions

Conditions linked to Daunorubicin in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.

Questions and answers

Is Daunorubicin available for export from India?

Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 2 presentations of Daunorubicin and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.

Is Daunorubicin approved by the US FDA?

Yes. The US FDA first approved Daunorubicin on 19 December 1979, according to Drugs@FDA.

Does Daunorubicin need cold chain shipping?

At least one listed presentation of Daunorubicin must be kept cold, so it is shipped in temperature-controlled packaging. Check the storage line on each presentation.

Which ATC class is Daunorubicin in?

Daunorubicin is classified under ATC code L01DB02 (Daunorubicin).

References

  1. Daunorubicin Hydrochloride prescribing information (Hikma Pharmaceuticals). U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Retrieved 15 February 2024

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