Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin is a potent anthracycline chemotherapy agent used to treat various cancers including leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors such as breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. It works by intercalating into cancer cell DNA and binding to cell membranes, disrupting cancer cell replication and survival. Due to its significant toxicity profile, it requires careful monitoring and is typically administered under specialist supervision.
Anthracycline chemotherapy agent used to treat multiple cancer types by intercalating into DNA to inhibit cancer cell replication.
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
- L01DB01
- RxNorm
- 3639
- Generic
- Doxorubicin
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Caelyx, Adriamycin, Doxil
- 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
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
avoid use during first trimester unless life-threatening condition where benefits outweigh risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second and third trimesteravoid use
avoid use unless benefits significantly outweigh risks; consider deferring treatment until after delivery if possible
fetal growth monitoring, non-stress tests, biophysical profiles
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 10 days after last dose
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsweight-based dosing with careful monitoring
use with extreme caution; cumulative doses should not exceed 550 mg/m2 due to cardiotoxicity risk; monitor cardiac function closely
regular echocardiography, ECG monitoring, left ventricular ejection fraction assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsconsider dose reduction by 20-30%
use with caution due to age-related decline in cardiac, hepatic and renal function; assess performance status and comorbidities
enhanced cardiac monitoring, renal function tests, liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno major dose adjustment typically required
use with caution; monitor renal function; primary excretion is hepatobiliary so dose adjustment less critical but still monitor
regular renal function monitoring including creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severesignificant dose reduction required
reduce dose by 50-75% in moderate impairment; avoid in severe hepatic impairment unless benefits outweigh risks
frequent liver function tests, bilirubin monitoring, dose adjustment based on liver function
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Adriamycin
Drug class
ATC code L01DB01
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of acute leukemias, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and various solid tumors including breast, lung, ovarian, and bladder cancers, as well as soft tissue and bone sarcomas.
Functions as a cytotoxic agent through nucleotide base intercalation into DNA, which inhibits replication and transcription. Additionally binds to cell membrane lipids, disrupting membrane integrity and cellular function.
Known for significant cardiotoxicity risk (can cause irreversible cardiomyopathy and heart failure); requires baseline and ongoing cardiac monitoring. Is a vesicant that can cause severe tissue damage if extravasated. Commonly causes myelosuppression, alopecia, and mucositis. Drug interactions with cardiotoxic or hepatotoxic agents require careful management.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy