Irinotecan Hydrochloride 100 mg/5 mL

What is this medication? Irinotecan hydrochloride is a chemotherapy medication primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, most notably advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. It is often administered as part of a combination regimen with other medications, such as 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, or it may be used as a single agent if other treatments have not been effective. This drug belongs to a class of medications known as topoisomerase I inhibitors, which work by blocking a specific enzyme that cancer cells need to replicate their DNA and divide.

By preventing the repair and replication of DNA, irinotecan effectively slows or stops the growth of tumor cells in the body. It is delivered through an intravenous infusion by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting. Because the medication targets rapidly growing cells, it can also impact healthy cells, which is why patients are monitored closely for potential side effects such as severe gastrointestinal issues or a reduction in blood cell counts during the treatment process.