Cytarabine

Generic name: cytarabine [ sye-TAR-a-been ]
Brand names: Cytosar-U, Tarabine PFS, Cytosar
Dosage form: injectable solution (100 mg/mL; 20 mg/mL)
Drug class:Antimetabolites

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 4, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cytarabine?

Cytarabine is used together with other cancer drugs to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancers).

Cytarabine is also used to treat or prevent leukemia associated with meningitis. Cytarabine will not treat a meningitis infection.

Cytarabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Cytarabine can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

Cytarabine can cause serious side effects on your brain or central nervous system that may not be reversible. Tell your doctor if you have feel confused or have any unusual thoughts or behavior.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with cytarabine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• a head injury or brain tumor.

Cytarabine may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while you are receiving cytarabin...