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Cytarabine

Prescription

Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog (Chemotherapy)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Antimetabolite that is phosphorylated intracellularly and incorporates into DNA as a false nucleotide, inhibiting DNA polymerase and terminating DNA chain elongation. S-phase specific.

At a glance

Class

Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog (Chemotherapy)

Schedule

Prescription (Chemotherapy)

Storage

Store at room temperature; protect from light; use within 48h of reconstitution at room temperature

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Key component of CHOP-based lymphoma protocols

Dose

—

Route

SQ, IV, Intrathecal

Frequency

Varies by protocol

🐈

Cat

Used in feline lymphoma protocols

Dose

100–200 mg/m²

Route

SQ, IV

Frequency

q12h x 2–4 doses per cycle

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 — 2

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; protect from light; use within 48h of reconstitution at room temperature

Safety

Monitoring parameters

CBC at nadir (5–7 days)Liver enzymesNeurological status (high-dose or intrathecal)

Educational reference only

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Cytosar-U

Ara-C

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Cytarabine?

Cytarabine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analog (chemotherapy) used in pets. Antimetabolite that is phosphorylated intracellularly and incorporates into DNA as a false nucleotide, inhibiting DNA polymerase and terminating DNA chain elongation. S-phase specific.

›What is Cytarabine used for in pets?

Cytarabine is used in veterinary medicine for: Key component of CHOP-based lymphoma protocols; Used in feline lymphoma protocols.

›What is the Cytarabine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Cytarabine is typically dosed as follows — Key component of CHOP-based lymphoma protocols: undefined undefined SQ/IV/Intrathecal Varies by protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Cytarabine dose for cats?

For cats, Cytarabine is typically dosed as follows — Used in feline lymphoma protocols: 100–200 mg/m² SQ/IV q12h x 2–4 doses per cycle. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Cytarabine need a prescription?

Yes. Cytarabine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

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 (Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog).

Gemcitabine

Difluorodeoxycytidine analog that is phosphorylated intracellularly to active metabolites (dFdCDP and dFdCTP) which inhibit ribonucleotide reductase and incorporate into DNA causing chain termination. S-phase specific with self-potentiating mechanism.

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