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Description

Pentostatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer, such as hairy cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It works by blocking an enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA), which is involved in the growth and development of cancer cells. Pentostatin is usually given intravenously (IV) over a period of several hours.

Common side effects of pentostatin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, chills, and low blood cell counts. Other more serious side effects may include liver damage, kidney damage, and an increased risk of infection.

Brand names associated with pentostatin include Nipent, Pentostatin, and Pentostar.

Synonyms

• co-vidarabine
• pentostatin

Classifications

• antimetabolite
• antineoplastic

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