ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/melphalan
US brand names:Alkeran
Melphalan is dosed at 0.05–0.1 mg/kg PO q24h x 10 days, then q48h in dogs, per MELPHALAN HYDROCHLORIDE Kit [US Product Label]. Princeton, NJ: Fosun Pharma USA Inc; 2019.; ALKERAN - Melphalan Tablet, Film Coated [US Human Product Label]. Weston, FL: ApoPharma USA, In; 2017. (the 10-day regimen sentence itself carries no superscript; the neighbouring general-guide sentence '...1.5 - 2 mg/m2 (NOT mg/kg) or 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg in dogs, but higher dosages have been used.8,9' carries refs 8 and 9) — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.857 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.829, Melphalan monograph spanning p.829-830; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia — ISBN 9780813811833, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780813811833. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Bifunctional alkylating agent forming DNA interstrand crosslinks. Cell-cycle non-specific. Phenylalanine derivative of nitrogen mustard.
Delayed and cumulative myelosuppression. Take on empty stomach. Used for multiple myeloma, various carcinomas. Handle with gloves — vesicant. Carcinogenic to handlers.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
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.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.05–0.1 mg/kg | q24h x 10 days, then q48h | Strong | MELPHALAN HYDROCHLORIDE Kit [US Product Label]. Princeton, NJ: Fosun Pharma USA Inc; 2019.; ALKERAN - Melphalan Tablet, Film Coated [US Human Product Label]. Weston, FL: ApoPharma USA, In; 2017. (the 10-day regimen sentence itself carries no superscript; the neighbouring general-guide sentence '...1.5 - 2 mg/m2 (NOT mg/kg) or 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg in dogs, but higher dosages have been used.8,9' carries refs 8 and 9) — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.857 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.829, Melphalan monograph spanning p.829-830; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia — ISBN 9780813811833, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780813811833 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.05–0.1 mg/kg | q24h x 10 days then q48h |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Moderate |
| Hanna F: Multiple myelomas in cats, J Feline Med Surg 7:275-287, 2005. / 26. Drazner FH: Multiple myeloma in the cat, Comp Cont Ed Pract Vet 4:206-216, 1982. — Verified against Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 5th Ed, p.685 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.685' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.671; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.671. — SOURCE EDITION: Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology — ISBN 9781437723625, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781437723625 |