Bifunctional alkylating agent that crosslinks DNA strands via alkylation of guanine N-7 positions, interfering with DNA replication and transcription. Has remarkable specificity for myeloid cells (myeloablative) at high doses, used for conditioning before bone marrow transplant.
At a glance
Class
Alkylating Agent (Chemotherapy)
Schedule
Prescription (Chemotherapy)
Storage
Tablets at room temperature; Busulfex refrigerated; diluted IV stable 8h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions
Dosing
Used for polycythemia vera (when hydroxyurea is ineffective), chronic myelogenou
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 →Safety
CBC weekly (delayed severe myelosuppression risk)Pulmonary function/radiographsHepatic enzymes
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.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Busulfan?
Busulfan is a alkylating agent (chemotherapy) used in pets. Bifunctional alkylating agent that crosslinks DNA strands via alkylation of guanine N-7 positions, interfering with DNA replication and transcription. Has remarkable specificity for myeloid cells (myeloablative) at high doses, used for conditioning before bone marrow transplant.
›What is Busulfan used for in pets?
Busulfan is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for polycythemia vera (when hydroxyurea is ineffective), chronic myelogenou; Rarely used in cats.
›What is the Busulfan dose for dogs?
For dogs, Busulfan is typically dosed as follows — Used for polycythemia vera (when hydroxyurea is ineffective), chronic myelogenou: 3–4 mg/m² PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Busulfan dose for cats?
For cats, Busulfan is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used in cats: 0.05–0.1 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Busulfan need a prescription?
Yes. Busulfan 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