Teniposide
Teniposide is an intravenous antineoplastic agent used primarily in the treatment of certain pediatric cancers. It belongs to the podophyllotoxin class of chemotherapy drugs and works by inhibiting topoisomerase II, an enzyme essential for DNA replication in cancer cells.
Teniposide is a chemotherapy drug primarily used to treat certain childhood leukemias and lymphomas by inhibiting cancer cell DNA replication.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01CB02
- RxNorm
- 10362
- Generic
- Teniposide
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- 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
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
teniposide is contraindicated during first trimester due to known teratogenic potential
discontinue if pregnancy occurs during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only when no safer alternative available and condition is life-threatening
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
consider delaying treatment until after delivery if clinically feasible
fetal monitoring and growth assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendeddiscontinue breastfeeding
teniposide should not be administered to nursing mothers due to potential severe adverse reactions in breastfed infants
pump and discard breast milk during treatment and for at least 7 days after last dose
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderweight-based dosing with frequent monitoring
commonly used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric patients; doses range from 165-250 mg/m2; requires close hematologic monitoring
complete blood counts before each cycle and as clinically indicated; monitor for myelosuppression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and toddlers under 2 yearsindividualized dosing with extreme caution
limited safety data; use only in specialized pediatric oncology centers; doses typically 10 mg/kg or 250 mg/m2
intensive hematologic monitoring; cardiac and renal function assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to myelosuppression; assess performance status and organ function before treatment
frequent complete blood counts; monitor renal and hepatic function; assess for infections
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50% based on creatinine clearance
monitor renal function closely; teniposide is partially renally excreted; consider dose reduction in patients with CrCl <50 mL/min
monitor renal function tests before each cycle; adjust dose based on creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce initial dose and monitor hepatic function
teniposide is metabolized hepatically; use with caution in hepatic impairment; consider dose reduction in patients with bilirubin >1.5 mg/dL or AST/ALT >3x ULN
regular liver function tests; monitor for hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Teniposide is primarily used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children, particularly in cases that have not responded to standard therapy. It is also used for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and certain brain tumors in pediatric patients.
Teniposide inhibits topoisomerase II, an enzyme that relaxes DNA supercoils during replication. By preventing this enzyme from resealing DNA strands, teniposide causes DNA strand breaks that lead to cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Teniposide is administered intravenously under close medical supervision, typically in a hospital or clinical setting. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression (low blood counts), nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. It may cause severe allergic reactions and should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment. Blood pressure should be monitored during infusion as hypotension may occur.
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 August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy