Idarubicin
Idarubicin is an anthracycline antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of various cancers. It works by forming complexes with DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, leading to DNA damage and cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Idarubicin is a chemotherapy medication that kills cancer cells by damaging their 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
- L01DB06
- RxNorm
- 5650
- Generic
- Idarubicin
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Idamycin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule
- 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
6 groupspregnancy
pregnancyavoid
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus; discuss potential fetal harm with patient
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
lactationdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose
ensure no breastfeeding during treatment period
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
pediatricadjust based on body surface area
use standard pediatric dosing protocols; monitor closely for cardiotoxicity
regular cardiac monitoring including echocardiograms and left ventricular ejection fraction assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
geriatricno specific adjustment but start at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to potential age-related decline in organ function; monitor cardiac and hepatic function
frequent monitoring of cardiac function renal function and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal impairmentno major adjustment for mild to moderate impairment
use with caution; monitor renal function and hematologic toxicity closely
monitor renal function tests and complete blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentreduce dose for moderate to severe hepatic impairment
reduce initial dose by 25-50% in patients with elevated bilirubin or liver enzymes; monitor hepatic function
frequent liver function tests and bilirubin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and other cancers
Drug class
Anthracycline class of chemotherapeutic agents
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications for Idarubicin
Mechanism of action
Primary molecular mechanism of anticancer activity
Used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults, and has also been used in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other hematologic malignancies.
Idarubicin works by intercalating into DNA strands, inhibiting topoisomerase II activity, blocking nucleic acid synthesis, and generating DNA-damaging free radicals that lead to cell death.
Administered via intravenous infusion by healthcare professionals. Associated with significant side effects including myelosuppression, cardiotoxicity, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Requires careful monitoring of blood counts and cardiac function 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
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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