Procarbazine
Procarbazine is an antineoplastic chemotherapy agent primarily used in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain other malignancies. It works by being metabolized into active compounds that damage DNA, thereby inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. As part of the alkylating agent class, it is frequently administered in combination with other chemotherapy drugs in specific treatment regimens.
Procarbazine is a chemotherapy drug used mainly for Hodgkin's lymphoma that works by damaging cancer cell DNA to prevent cell division and growth.
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
- L01XB01
- RxNorm
- 8702
- Generic
- Procarbazine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Matulane
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- 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.
Primarily used for Hodgkin's lymphoma (often in the MOPP regimen), also employed in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma, brain tumors, melanoma, and certain other solid tumors when other treatments are not suitable.
Procarbazine is a prodrug that undergoes metabolic activation in the body to form reactive alkylating species. These active metabolites bind to and damage DNA, RNA, and proteins, disrupting nucleic acid synthesis and causing chromosomal breaks. This interference with DNA function leads to cancer cell death and prevents further tumor growth.
As a chemotherapy agent, it causes significant side effects including bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. It also acts as a weak monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, requiring patients to avoid tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, fermented foods) and certain medications to prevent hypertensive crises. Alcohol must be strictly avoided due to disulfiram-like reactions. Regular blood count monitoring is essential during treatment. The drug may cause infertility and should be used with caution during pregnancy.
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 August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy