Drug of the Day 1
I figure that this sort of counts as studying, just much more amusing (well, I suppose that would depend on who you talk to).
I’m going to start with Cisplatin, because I like the sound of it (contains the sound “splat,” making it just fun to say. Unfortunately the fun does not carry through to the drug).
Cisplatin
What it is: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Indications: Cancer (bladder, ovarian, testicular)
Administration: Intravenously
Mechanism of action: Binds covalently to DNA, causes little hitches, DNA can’t divide, cell thinks, “WTF?!” and there is a p53-mediated apoptosis (suicide). This mechanism is very similar to alkylating agents.
Interactions: Echinacea, taxane derivatives (such as paclitaxel, another antineoplastic), topotecan (yet another antineoplastic)
Adverse effects: Nausea, neurotixicity, myelosuppression, alopecia
