Bleomycin Sulfate
Bleomycin Sulfate is a glycopeptide antibiotic and antineoplastic agent used in combination chemotherapy regimens to treat various malignancies including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, testicular and ovarian cancers, and squamous cell carcinomas. It works by causing DNA strand breaks through free radical formation, inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division.
An antineoplastic antibiotic agent used to treat certain cancers by damaging DNA and preventing cancer cell division.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1621
- Generic
- Bleomycin Sulfate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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
8 groupspregnancy
first 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
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessments
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 and assessment for preterm labor
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 1 week after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrenuse with caution, dose based on body surface area
use with caution in pediatric patients, monitor for pulmonary toxicity
close monitoring of pulmonary function, regular blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyconsider dose reduction
use with caution in elderly patients, may have increased sensitivity to pulmonary toxicity
regular pulmonary function tests, monitor for signs of pulmonary toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be required
reduce dose in patients with renal impairment, monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and serum electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution, may require dose reduction
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, monitor liver function
regular monitoring of liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
Original FDA approval year for Bleomycin Sulfate
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Bleomycin Sulfate
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications for Bleomycin Sulfate
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of antineoplastic activity
Used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and squamous cell carcinomas of the head, neck, and skin. Also used palliatively for malignant pleural effusions.
A glycopeptide antibiotic that causes single and double-strand breaks in DNA through the generation of free radicals. This intercalates with DNA, inhibits synthesis, and leads to cell death, particularly affecting cells in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle.
Administered by injection (IV, IM, or subcutaneous). Major toxicity concerns include pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonitis, particularly with cumulative doses exceeding 400 units. Can cause febrile reactions, skin toxicity, and hypersensitivity reactions. Requires regular pulmonary function monitoring. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients with pre-existing pulmonary disease.
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
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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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy