Bendamustine
Bendamustine is an intravenous chemotherapy medication classified as a bifunctional alkylating agent. It is primarily used to treat certain cancers including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The drug works by binding to DNA and creating crosslinks that prevent cancer cells from replicating, ultimately leading to cell death.
Bendamustine is an alkylating chemotherapy agent used to treat blood cancers by damaging cancer cell DNA and preventing its replication.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01AA09
- RxNorm
- 134547
- Generic
- Bendamustine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Bendeka, Belrapzo, Vivimusta, Treanda
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound examinations
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week after last dose due to potential serious adverse reactions in infant
monitor infant for signs of toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot established
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients; use only in clinical trials when benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring for adverse effects
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno specific dose adjustment required
no overall differences in safety or efficacy observed; however, increased susceptibility to adverse reactions possible
monitor for adverse reactions and organ function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse not recommended
use with caution in severe renal impairment; consider risks versus benefits
close monitoring of renal function and for toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
use with caution; pharmacokinetics not significantly affected in mild to moderate impairment
monitor hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
use not recommended in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
monitor hepatic function closely
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Bendamustine is classified as a bifunctional alkylating agent chemotherapy drug
Common uses
Primary FDA-approved therapeutic indications for bendamustine
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval year for bendamustine hydrochloride (Treanda)
Mechanism of action
Bendamustine works by creating cross-links in DNA that prevent cancer cell division
Bendamustine is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (including mantle cell lymphoma), and multiple myeloma. It is typically considered when other treatments have not been effective or are not appropriate.
Bendamustine is a bifunctional mechlorethamine derivative containing a purine-like benzimidazole ring. It forms electrophilic alkyl groups that create covalent bonds with DNA, resulting in interstrand DNA crosslinks. These crosslinks prevent DNA replication and transcription, leading to apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
Bendamustine is administered as an intravenous infusion by healthcare professionals. Common side effects include myelosuppression (low blood counts), nausea, fatigue, and fever. It may cause infertility and should not be used during pregnancy. Patients should be monitored for infusion reactions and tumor lysis syndrome. The drug may interact with other medications and requires careful handling by trained personnel.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy