UROMITEXAN 400 mg INJECTION
Mesna A
What it does
Mesna is a medication that helps protect the bladder from damage caused by certain cancer treatments.
Commonly used for: bladder protection during chemotherapy, prevention of bladder irritation
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:28:18 · updated 2026-09-20 04:02:02
About this medicine
Mesna is a medication that helps protect the bladder from damage caused by certain cancer treatments.
What it treats
- bladder protection during chemotherapy
- prevention of bladder irritation
How it works
Mesna works by neutralizing harmful substances that can damage the bladder during chemotherapy.
Who it's for
Mesna is for patients undergoing chemotherapy that may harm the bladder.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Mesna
BNF-referencedMesna is a cytoprotective agent primarily used as a uroprotectant to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis induced by certain chemotherapy agents, notably ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide. It acts by detoxifying the metabolites of these drugs that are harmful to the bladder, thereby reducing the incidence of bladder-related toxicities. Mesna is administered intravenously and is particularly important in the management of patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies.
Indications
- Prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis due to ifosfamide
- Prevention of bladder toxicity associated with cyclophosphamide
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidance in paediatric patients, as doses may vary based on the child's age and weight.
Adults: For prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis, Mesna is typically administered intravenously at a dose of 20% of the ifosfamide dose, given before and after chemotherapy. Specific dosing regimens should be referred to in product literature.
Mechanism of action
Mesna (sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) acts as a sulfhydryl compound that detoxifies the harmful acrolein metabolite produced during the metabolism of ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide. It conjugates with acrolein, thereby preventing its accumulation and subsequent damage to the urothelium, which reduces the risk of bladder toxicity.
Pharmacodynamics
Mesna exhibits protective effects against the urotoxic side effects of alkylating agents by binding to reactive metabolites, thus preventing cellular damage in the urinary tract. Its therapeutic effects are particularly notable in reducing the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis, a serious complication of certain chemotherapeutic regimens.
Pharmacokinetics
Mesna is rapidly absorbed following intravenous administration. It is distributed in the extracellular fluid and is extensively metabolized in the liver to form disulfides, which are less toxic. The elimination half-life is approximately 1.5 hours, and it is primarily excreted in urine. Dose adjustments are necessary in patients with renal impairment, particularly if creatinine clearance is less than 40 mL/min, where the dose should be reduced by 50%.
Adverse effects
- abdominal pain
- alopecia
- anxiety
- appetite decreased
- arrhythmia
- asthma
- bone pain
- cheilitis
- chest pain
- chills
- confusion
- constipation
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- dyspnoea
- embolism
- fatigue
- headache
- hypertension
- insomnia
- intracranial pressure
- nausea
- pancreatitis
- paraesthesia
- respiratory disorders
- skin reactions
- visual impairment
- vomiting
Precautions
- Monitor full blood count
- Monitor for cardiac toxicity
- Monitor liver function
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
Pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy is not established; use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential adverse effects on the infant.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Solution for injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Mesna
PubChem CID 23662354Molecular formula: C2H5NaO3S2
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.