idarubicin, an antibiotic and antineoplastic drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used in combination with other antineoplastics for acute myelocytic leukemia in adults. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, hypersensitivity, lactation, and myelosuppression prohibit the use of this drug. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include hypertension, extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia, bundle branch block, atrioventricular block, palpitations, supraventricular extrasystoles, syncope, and nausea. Common side effects include headache, hypotension, and bradycardia. Life-threatening side effects include sinus arrest, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias.
