Cytarabine
Cytarabine is a chemotherapy medication classified as a pyrimidine analog antimetabolite. It is primarily used in the treatment of various leukemias, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as well as certain lymphomas. The drug works by interfering with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, leading to cell death.
Cytarabine is an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug used primarily to treat leukemias by disrupting cancer cell DNA synthesis.
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
- L01BC01
- RxNorm
- 3041
- Generic
- Cytarabine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Vyxeos
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution, suspension
- 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
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy due to demonstrated fetal toxicity; use only if life-threatening condition where benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed; consider risks versus benefits carefully
fetal growth monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed 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
children adolescentsweight-based dosing required
commonly used in pediatric leukemia protocols; doses vary by indication and regimen
close hematologic monitoring; watch for myelosuppression and neurotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyconsider dose reduction based on comorbidities
use with caution; monitor renal and hepatic function; consider performance status
frequent hematologic monitoring and organ function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentdose reduction recommended
reduce dose by 20-30% in severe renal impairment; monitor renal function closely
frequent renal function monitoring including creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentdose reduction recommended
reduce dose in severe hepatic impairment; monitor liver function tests
regular hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Vyxeos (CPX-351) FDA approval date
Drug class
Antimetabolite chemotherapy agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Antimetabolite action
Cytarabine is used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It may also be administered intrathecally to prevent or treat meningeal leukemia.
As a pyrimidine analog, cytarabine is converted to its active form inside cells where it gets incorporated into DNA during synthesis. This incorporation causes chain termination and inhibits DNA polymerase, ultimately preventing DNA synthesis and triggering cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Cytarabine is typically administered by injection (intravenously, subcutaneously, or intrathecally) by healthcare professionals. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, fever, and liver toxicity. It requires careful blood count monitoring and may cause significant immunosuppression. Patients should avoid live vaccines during treatment.
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy