Chlorambucil
Chlorambucil is an alkylating chemotherapy agent used primarily to treat certain blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphomas. It works by damaging cancer cell DNA, which prevents the cells from multiplying and eventually leads to their death.
Chlorambucil is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain leukemias and lymphomas by damaging cancer cell DNA.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01AA02
- RxNorm
- 2346
- Generic
- Chlorambucil
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Leukeran
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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.
Primarily used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. May also be used for Waldenström macroglobulinemia, hairy cell leukemia, and some other solid tumors.
As an alkylating agent, chlorambucil binds to DNA strands and causes cross-linking, preventing DNA replication. This damage triggers cellular apoptosis through p53 accumulation and activation of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax.
Requires regular blood count monitoring due to risk of bone marrow suppression. May cause infertility and carries a small risk of secondary malignancies. Handle with care as it can cause skin irritation and is teratogenic. Should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption.
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