dactinomycin /dak′tinōmī″sin/ , an antibiotic used as an antineoplastic agent. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of a variety of malignant neoplastic diseases, including testicular cancer, melanoma, Wilms’ tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Herpes zoster infection, chickenpox, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are bone marrow depression, severe GI disturbances, proctitis, alopecia, and ulcers of the mouth.
