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Bleomycin

Prescription
Antitumor Antibiotic (Chemotherapy)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Glycopeptide antibiotic that generates reactive oxygen species causing single- and double-strand DNA breaks. Cell-cycle specific (G2 and M phase). Inactivated by bleomycin hydrolase — low in lung and skin (highest toxicity there).

At a glance

Class
Antitumor Antibiotic (Chemotherapy)
Schedule
Prescription (Chemotherapy)
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted solution stable 24h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma
Dose
Route
IV, SQ
Frequency
Weekly
🐈

Cat

Used for squamous cell carcinoma and injection-site sarcomas
Dose
Route
IV, SQ
Frequency
Weekly
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted solution stable 24h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Chest radiographs before each cycle (pulmonary fibrosis)Renal function (BUN, creatinine)Cumulative dose tracking
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Blenoxane

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Bleomycin?
Bleomycin is a antitumor antibiotic (chemotherapy) used in pets. Glycopeptide antibiotic that generates reactive oxygen species causing single- and double-strand DNA breaks. Cell-cycle specific (G2 and M phase). Inactivated by bleomycin hydrolase — low in lung and skin (highest toxicity there).
What is Bleomycin used for in pets?
Bleomycin is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma; Used for squamous cell carcinoma and injection-site sarcomas.
What is the Bleomycin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Bleomycin is typically dosed as follows — Used for squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma: undefined undefined IV/SQ Weekly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Bleomycin dose for cats?
For cats, Bleomycin is typically dosed as follows — Used for squamous cell carcinoma and injection-site sarcomas: undefined undefined IV/SQ Weekly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Bleomycin need a prescription?
Yes. Bleomycin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Antitumor Antibiotic).

Dactinomycin
Rx
Intercalates into DNA minor groove at GC-rich sequences, blocking RNA polymerase and inhibiting transcription. Also inhibits topoisomerase II. Cell-cycle non-specific. Potent radiation sensitizer.
dogcat
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