Ara-C
Medical abbreviation · Drug
| Stands for | Cytarabine (cytosine arabinoside) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
Ara-C stands for Cytarabine (cytosine arabinoside), a drug abbreviation.
Chemotherapy drug central to treating acute myeloid leukemia, including the classic "7+3" induction of seven days of cytarabine with three days of an anthracycline. High doses are used for consolidation and some lymphomas.
Example: 7+3 induction: Ara-C 100 mg/m2/day CIVI x 7 days plus daunorubicin.
Usage notes
Earlier editions of ISMP's error-prone list warned that ARA-A (vidarabine) had been mistaken for ARA-C. High-dose cytarabine can cause cerebellar toxicity, so neurological checks are done before each dose, and steroid eye drops prevent chemical conjunctivitis. Cytarabine can also be given intrathecally.
Related abbreviations
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.