Mesna (mesna)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Mesna is a synthetic sulfhydryl (thiol) compound that acts as a sulfydryl donor and uroprotective agent by interacting chemically with urotoxic metabolites of oxazaphosphorine derivatives (e.g., ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide).
Mesna is used prophylactically as a uroprotective agent to decrease the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis in patients receiving ifosfamide, and has been designated an orphan drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this use. Mesna also is designated an orphan drug by the FDA for inhibition of the urotoxic effects induced by other oxazaphosphorine compounds, and has been used prophylactically in patients receiving cyclophosphamide+.
Generic name: mesna
Pronunciation: (MES-na)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Mesna
Indications
The following indications are listed for Mesna:
- Prevention Of Chemotherapy-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis
Also known as: Chemotherapy-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis Prophylaxis, Prevention Of Cystitis With Bleeding Due To Chemotherapy, Prevention Of Hemorrhagic Cystitis Due To Chemotherapy.
Dosing
Mesna dosage for prophylaxis of oxazaphosphorine-induced bladder toxicity (e.g., hemorrhage cystitis, hematuria) in patients receiving ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide+ is based on the dosage of the oxazaphosphorine derivative. Various mesna dosages have been used, and optimum dosages and methods of administration have not been established.
The manufacturers currently make no specific dosage recommendations for use of mesna in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment, and mesna dosage in these patients should be based on the ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide dosage.
Mesna usually is administered IV by direct injection or orally. Some clinicians state that the drug may be administered IV by infusion over 15-30 minutes+ or bycontinuous infusion+.
Patients receiving mesna for the prevention of ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis should be adequately hydrated (i.e., at least 1 liter of oral or IV fluid daily, prior to and during ifosfamide therapy).
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
Reproductive studies using mesna oral dosages up to 1 g/kg in rabbits and 2 g/kg in rats (approximately 10 times the maximum recommended total daily human dosage (administered as 1 IV and 2 oral doses) on a body surface area basis) have not revealed evidence of harm to the fetus. Mesna has not been shown to be teratogenic in rats and rabbits. However, there are no adequate and controlled studies to date using mesna in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
It is not known whether mesna or dimesna is distributed into human milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions to mesna in nursing infants if the drug were distributed into milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
Search health-plan coverage for this drug by ZIP code.
Choose the first character of a health plan name.
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
On this page
Actions
Sign in to save favorites
Saving this drug requires a free Physicians Office Resource account.