Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Xeloda
Capecitabine is an orally administered prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It belongs to the class of antimetabolites, specifically the pyrimidine analogs. Capecitabine is preferentially converted to 5-FU in tumor tissues by the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase, leading to higher concentrations of the active drug in the tumor compared to healthy tissues. This targeted activation helps to minimize systemic side effects.
For the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and adjuvant treatment of colon cancer.
Severe and sometimes fatal dermatologic toxicity, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, has been reported. Diarrhea, including cases resulting in death, can occur. Cardiotoxicity, including myocardial infarction and angina, has occurred. Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) is frequently reported. Embryo-fetal toxicity occurs; advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
Outcome:
Increased risk of bleeding
Mechanism:
Altered metabolism of warfarin
Outcome:
Reduced absorption of capecitabine
Mechanism:
Altered pH
Outcome:
May slightly alter absorption
Mechanism:
Delayed gastric emptying
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release formulation for improved patient compliance (2025, 60% confidence).
Based on current usage trends and clinical trial outcomes, there is a 75% likelihood of capecitabine maintaining its current regulatory status for the next 5 years.
Antineoplastic, Antimetabolite, Pyrimidine Analog
Fluoropyrimidine Carbamate