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Cyclophosphamide

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating chemotherapy agent used to treat various cancers including lymphomas, leukemias, and solid tumors. It works by interfering with cancer cell DNA to stop their growth and division. This medication requires careful monitoring and is typically administered under the supervision of an oncologist.

Quick summary

An alkylating chemotherapy agent that damages cancer cell DNA to inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing malignant cells.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L01AA01
RxNorm
3002
Generic
Cyclophosphamide
Class
atc-l01
Brands
Frindovyx
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
injection, solution, capsule, 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.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity and potentially fatal outcomes in adults
Chronic overdose: Cumulative doses above 50-100 mg/kg can cause bone marrow suppression, hemorrhagic cystitis, and increased risk of secondary malignancies
Immediate actions
Gastric lavage if ingestion within 1-2 hours, activated charcoal, supportive care, hydration, urinary alkalinization
Antidote
None - no specific antidote available(Treatment is supportive; no antidote exists)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
D
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - known teratogenic effects

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pregnancy

second third trimester
caution
FDA Category
D
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks - monitor fetal growth closely

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring, growth assessments

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

lactation

nursing
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue breastfeeding

Key Recommendations

do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1-2 weeks after last dose

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of toxicity if exposure occurs

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

children 12 years and older
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

weight-based or body surface area dosing

Key Recommendations

use based on body surface area - monitor blood counts closely

Monitor

frequent CBC monitoring, monitor for hemorrhagic cystitis

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 years and older
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

consider dose reduction, start at lower end of dosing range

Key Recommendations

assess renal and hepatic function - adjust dose accordingly

Monitor

close monitoring of renal function, blood counts, and fluid status

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

severe creatinine clearance below 30 ml min
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

significant dose reduction required

Key Recommendations

reduce dose by 25-50% - consider alternative therapy

Monitor

frequent monitoring of renal function and blood counts

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate creatinine clearance 30 60 ml min
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

moderate dose reduction

Key Recommendations

reduce dose by 10-25% based on clinical response

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function and hematologic parameters

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid or use with extreme caution

Key Recommendations

metabolized in liver - severe impairment increases toxicity risk significantly

Monitor

frequent liver function tests and blood count monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

consider dose reduction

Key Recommendations

monitor liver function closely - adjust dose based on tolerance

Monitor

regular liver function monitoring and blood counts

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:1959

Original FDA approval date for Cyclophosphamide

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Alkylating agent (Nitrogen mustard derivative)

Pharmacological classification

usageNCI
2023

Common uses

Value:Chemotherapy for lymphomas, leukemias, solid tumors; Immunosuppression for autoimmune diseases

Primary therapeutic indications

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:DNA cross-linking through alkylation of guanine bases

Molecular mechanism of action

Treatment of various malignancies including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, leukemias, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and certain solid tumors. Also used as an immunosuppressant in some autoimmune conditions.

As an alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide produces active metabolites that cross-link tumor cell DNA, interfering with DNA replication and the growth of susceptible rapidly proliferating malignant cells.

Requires administration by healthcare professionals experienced in chemotherapy. Important safety considerations include adequate hydration to reduce bladder toxicity risk, regular monitoring of blood counts, and careful management of side effects such as bone marrow suppression, nausea, and hair loss.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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