Capnat
Developed to target cancerous growths by utilizing systemic conversion to therapeutic agents that inhibit DNA synthesis.
- Category
- Oncology Support
- Active ingredient
- Capecitabine
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 500mg
Capnat details
- Conditions
- Colorectal Cancer · Breast Cancer · Gastric Cancer
- Alternative names
- Xeloda
- Therapeutic class
- Antineoplastic Agent; Antimetabolite
- Pharmacological class
- Pyrimidine Analogue
- Minor side effects
- diarrhoea; nausea; stomatitis; fatigue
- Moderate side effects
- palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia; neutropenia; anaemia; dermatitis
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Natco Pharma
- Onset Time
- N/A
- Duration
- N/A
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature below 30°C.
- Drug interactions
- warfarin; phenytoin; folinic acid
- Age restrictions
- Adults only.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
Contraindications
hypersensitivity to capecitabine; severe renal impairment; dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency
Precautions and warnings
monitor for diarrhoea; risk of hand-foot syndrome; regular blood monitoring recommended
Serious side effects
severe dehydration, requires immediate medical attention; cardiotoxicity, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to target cancerous growths by utilizing systemic conversion to therapeutic agents that inhibit DNA synthesis.
Mechanism of action
Capecitabine is a prodrug that is enzymatically converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, primarily within the tumour, where it inhibits thymidylate synthase and incorporates into RNA to block cell division.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Capnat
Capnat is a brand of capecitabine, a treatment indicated for colorectal cancer, breast cancer and gastric cancer. The same active ingredient is also sold under the brand name Xeloda. Natco Pharma produces this medication, which is supplied as a 500mg tablet.
Capnat availability in Asia
Capnat is registered across 13 markets including the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan, with availability also in South Korea, Japan and the UAE. Generic capecitabine, mostly manufactured in India, serves as a more affordable treatment option compared to the original brand for people located far from a large medical centre. Given the serious nature of these conditions, this therapy is best used under the ongoing supervision of a medical professional.