Doses - ASPARAGINASE

For more information, refer to the protocol references found in the appendix or otherprotocols found in other references, including: Current Veterinary Therapy X: Small Animal
Practice (Matus 1989) and Handbook of Small Animal Practice (Cotter 1988).

Dogs:

For neoplastic diseases (usually used in combination protocols with other drugs; rarely used alone):
a) 20, 000 IU/m2 IM or IP weekly. (MacEwen and Rosenthal 1989)
b) 400 IU/kg IV, IP, or IM weekly. (Macy 1986)
c) Large dogs: 30, 000 IU/m2 IV, or intraperitoneally once weekly.
Small dogs: 10, 000 IU/m2 IV, or intraperitoneally once weekly. (Coppoc 1988)

Cats:

For neoplastic diseases (usually used in combination protocols with other drugs; rarely used alone):
a) 10, 000 IU/m2 SQ, intraperitoneally, or IM every 1-3 weeks. (Couto 1989b)
b) 10, 000 IU/m2 IV, or intraperitoneally once weekly. (Coppoc 1988)
Monitoring Parameters - Animals should have hepatic, renal, pancreatic (blood glucose, amylase), hematopoietic, function determined prior to initiating therapy and regularly monitored during therapy.
Client Information - Clients must be briefed on the possibilities of severe toxicity developingfrom this drug, including drug-related mortality. Clients should contact the veterinarian if the patientexhibita any symptoms of profound depression, severe diarrhea, abnormal bleeding (includingbloody diarrhea) and/or bruising.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Asparaginase 10, 000 IU Powder for Injection in 10 ml vials (with 80 mg mannitol); Reconstitutevial with 5 ml Sodium Chloride Injection or Sterile Water for Injection for IV use. For IM use, add 2 ml Sodium Chloride Injection. See Storage/Stability section above for more information.
Elspar® (Merck); (Rx)