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Melphalan

Alkeran

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Oncology

Routes

POIV

Indications

Multiple myeloma

Mechanism of Action

Bifunctional alkylating agent forming DNA interstrand crosslinks. Cell-cycle non-specific. Phenylalanine derivative of nitrogen mustard.

Side effects & warnings

Delayed and cumulative myelosuppression. Take on empty stomach. Used for multiple myeloma, various carcinomas. Handle with gloves — vesicant. Carcinogenic to handlers.

Species with Melphalan dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×1Moderate×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO0.05–0.1 mg/kgq24h x 10 days, then q48hStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)PO0.05–0.1 mg/kgq24h x 10 days then q48hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Calculate Dosage for Melphalan