Vinblastine
Vinblastine sulfate
Also known as: Velban · Alkaban · Blastovin · Cellblastin · Cytoblastin · Ifabla · Lemblastine · Periblastine · Serovin · Solblastin · Velbe · Velsar · Xintoprost · 29060-LE · NSC-49842 · sulfato de vimblastina · vinblastini sulfas · vincaleukoblastine sulphate · VBL · Vinblastine sulfate · VLB
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
This dose is based on body surface area (mg/m²). Convert body weight to body surface area before dosing.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible neoplasms (e.g., mast cell tumors, lymphoma) | 2-2.2 mg/m2 | IV | every 1-2 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
| Mast cell tumors (specific protocol) | Given on four subsequent days | IV | every 3 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
- Susceptible neoplasms (e.g., mast cell tumors, lymphoma): Often used in combination with other chemo drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide and prednisolone).
- Mast cell tumors (specific protocol): Consult specialized oncology references for exact protocol details.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible neoplasms | 2-2.2 mg/m2 | IV | every 1-2 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
- Susceptible neoplasms: Often used in combination with other chemo drugs.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Vinblastine is a Vinca alkaloid antineoplastic agent derived from the periwinkle plant (Cantharanthus roseus). It is primarily utilized in veterinary oncology for the treatment of various malignancies in small animals, including lymphomas, carcinomas, mastocytomas, and splenic tumors.
Clinical Pearls:
- Vinblastine is notably more effective than its close relative, vincristine, in the treatment of canine mast cell tumors.
- It is a potent vesicant; extravasation outside the vein can cause severe tissue necrosis and cellulitis.
- It is generally more myelosuppressive than vincristine, but tends to have less severe peripheral neurotoxic effects at standard doses.
- Caution is highly warranted in herding breeds with the MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation, as they are at significantly increased risk for severe bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Mechanism of action
Vinblastine is a cell-cycle specific agent that halts cell division.
- Microtubule Inhibition: It binds specifically to microtubular proteins (tubulin) in the mitotic spindle.
- Mitotic Arrest: By preventing microtubule assembly, it arrests cell division during metaphase.
- Metabolic Interference: It also interferes with amino acid metabolism by inhibiting glutamic acid utilization and preventing purine synthesis, the citric acid cycle, and urea formation.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Preexisting leukopenia or granulocytopenia (unless caused by the disease being treated)
- Active bacterial infection
- Pre-existing severe myelosuppression or active infection
- Pre-existing severe myelosuppression (Neutrophil count < 3 x 10^9/L or Platelet count < 100 x 10^9/L)
Adverse effects
- Gastroenterocolitis (nausea, vomiting, anorexia)
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia; nadir at 4-9 days)
- Neurotoxicity (constipation, paralytic ileus, jaw and muscle pain, loss of deep tendon reflexes)
- Alopecia
- Stomatitis
- Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH)
- Severe tissue irritation and cellulitis (if extravasated)
- Cats: Reversible axon swelling and paranodal demyelination
- Myelosuppression (primarily neutropenia)
- Gastrointestinal toxicity (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia)
- Severe tissue necrosis (if extravasated)
Precautions
Vesicant Warning: Vinblastine is a severe tissue irritant. Strict IV administration is required. Avoid extravasation. Use a different needle for injection than the one used to draw up the drug. If extravasation occurs, stop immediately, apply moderate heat, and consider hyaluronidase injections to disperse the drug.
- MDR1 Mutation: Dogs with the ABCB1 (MDR1) mutation (e.g., Collies, Australian Shepherds) are highly susceptible to toxicity. Reduce dose by 25-30% in mutant/normal or mutant/mutant dogs.
- Hepatic Impairment: Extensive hepatic metabolism requires a 50% dose reduction if serum bilirubin is > 2 mg/dL.
- Handling: Wear gloves and protective clothing during preparation and administration. Wash thoroughly with soap and water if skin exposure occurs.
- Pregnancy/Nursing: Potentially teratogenic and embryotoxic (FDA Category D). Avoid in pregnant animals and use milk replacer if nursing.
Drug interactions
May cause additive risk for ototoxicity.
May cause additive risk for ototoxicity.
Can inhibit P-glycoprotein clearance of vinblastine, increasing the risk of severe toxicity, particularly in dogs with the MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation.
Inhibits hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially decreasing vinblastine metabolism and increasing toxicity.
Additive bone marrow suppression.
Monitoring
- Efficacy (tumor response)
- Complete blood counts (CBC) with platelets (monitor for nadir)
- Liver function tests (prior to therapy and repeated as necessary)
- Serum uric acid
- IV site for signs of extravasation during administration
- Haematology (CBC) prior to each treatment
- Biochemistry prior to first treatment
- Tumour restaging (lymph node palpation, cytology)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) prior to every dose (specifically neutrophils and platelets)
- Tumor restaging at week 4 and week 12 (for high-risk tumors)
- IV catheter site for signs of extravasation during administration
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Administered strictly IV.
Distribution
Rapidly distributed to tissues after injection. In humans, approximately 75% is bound to tissue proteins. Does not appreciably enter the CNS.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized by the liver.
Elimination
Primarily excreted in the bile and feces; lesser amounts are eliminated in the urine.
Overdose
The lethal dose in dogs is reported as 0.2 mg/kg.
Clinical Signs of Overdose: Exacerbation of adverse effects, including profound myelosuppression, severe gastrointestinal signs, and neurotoxicity (similar to vincristine).
- Feline Case Report (4X IV overdose): Depression, inability to jump, anorexia (days 1-11), neutropenia with fever, thrombocytopenia, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, and syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH).
Treatment: Aggressive supportive care is required. Monitor cardiovascular and hematologic status closely. Treatment may include anticonvulsants, prevention/management of ileus, and management of SIADH (fluid restriction and loop diuretics to maintain serum osmolality).
Available products
Formulations
- Injection solution (1 mg/mL)
- Powder for injection (10 mg)
- 1 mg/mL injectable solution
Human-labeled
- Vinblastine Sulfate Injection: 1 mg/mL in 10 mL & 25 mL vials
- Vinblastine Powder for Injection: 10 mg in vials (Velban)
- Velbe 10mg powder for solution for injection
- Vinblastine sulfate 1mg/ml solution for injection
- Vinblastine sulfate 1 mg/mL injection
Regulatory status
Used under the cascade. Requires specialized handling and disposal as a cytotoxic agent.
Used under the cascade. Requires specialized handling and disposal as a cytotoxic agent.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Protect from light. Store powder for injection and injection solution in the refrigerator (2-8°C). Intact powder for injection is stable at room temperature for at least one month. After reconstituting with bacteriostatic saline, the powder for injection is stable for 30 days if refrigerated.
Client information
- Toxicity Risks: This is a potent chemotherapy drug. Severe toxicity, including drug-related mortality, is possible.
- When to Call the Vet: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits profound depression, lethargy, abnormal bleeding (including bloody diarrhea), bruising, or persistent vomiting/loss of appetite.
- Handling Waste: Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding the safe handling of your pet's urine and feces for a few days following treatment.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.