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Doxorubicin

Prescription

Anthracycline antibiotic — antineoplastic

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Intercalates into DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II, and generates free radicals, causing DNA strand breaks and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells

At a glance

Class

Anthracycline antibiotic — antineoplastic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Refrigerate at 2–8°C; protect from light; handle with gloves and gown (cytotoxic)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Lymphoma / Hemangiosarcoma / Osteosarcoma / Various carcinomas

Dose

25–30 mg/m²

Route

IV (slow infusion over 20–30 min)

Frequency

Every 2–3 weeks

Max dose

60 mg

Duration: Cumulative dose limit ~180–240 mg/m² (cardiotoxicity); typically 5–6 doses

🐈

Cat

Lymphoma / Mammary carcinoma / Vaccine-associated sarcoma

Dose

20–25 mg/m²

Route

IV (slow infusion)

Frequency

Every 3 weeks

Max dose

20 mg

Duration: Per protocol; nephrotoxicity is dose-limiting in cats

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

💉

Injection — 2

Strength

10mg vial

Available in India

Strength

50mg vial

Available in India

Storage

Refrigerate at 2–8°C; protect from light; handle with gloves and gown (cytotoxic)

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Severe cardiac disease / Cardiomyopathy
Cumulative cardiotoxicity
Perivascular injection (severe vesicant)

Use with caution

Pre-existing renal insufficiency (cats)
Nephrotoxic in cats

Adverse effects

Common

Myelosuppression (nadir 7–10 days)

GI upset

Alopecia (certain breeds)

Serious

Cumulative cardiotoxicity (dilated cardiomyopathy)

Severe tissue necrosis (extravasation)

Nephrotoxicity (cats)

Anaphylactoid reactions

Monitoring parameters

CBC before each doseEchocardiography (baseline and before each dose)BUN/Creatinine (cats)IV catheter verification

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Cyclophosphamide

major

Both are cardiotoxic; combined use increases risk of cumulative cardiomyopathy

Management: Monitor cardiac function with echocardiography. Limit cumulative doxorubicin dose to 180-240 mg/m² in dogs.

Moderate — 1

Phenobarbital

moderate

Phenobarbital induces hepatic CYP3A4, potentially altering doxorubicin metabolism. Clinical significance in dogs is unclear but theoretical concern for altered drug levels.

Management: Monitor CBC more closely at nadir. Consult veterinary oncologist regarding dose adjustments.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Adriamycin

Pfizer

India

Adrim

Fresenius Kabi India

Doxorubin

Biochem Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Doxorubicin?

Doxorubicin is a anthracycline antibiotic — antineoplastic used in pets. Intercalates into DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II, and generates free radicals, causing DNA strand breaks and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells

›What is Doxorubicin used for in pets?

Doxorubicin is used in veterinary medicine for: Lymphoma / Hemangiosarcoma / Osteosarcoma / Various carcinomas; Lymphoma / Mammary carcinoma / Vaccine-associated sarcoma.

›What is the Doxorubicin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Doxorubicin is typically dosed as follows — Lymphoma / Hemangiosarcoma / Osteosarcoma / Various carcinomas: 25–30 mg/m² IV (slow infusion over 20–30 min) Every 2–3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Doxorubicin dose for cats?

For cats, Doxorubicin is typically dosed as follows — Lymphoma / Mammary carcinoma / Vaccine-associated sarcoma: 20–25 mg/m² IV (slow infusion) Every 3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Doxorubicin?

Common: Myelosuppression (nadir 7–10 days), GI upset, Alopecia (certain breeds). Serious (call your vet immediately): Cumulative cardiotoxicity (dilated cardiomyopathy), Severe tissue necrosis (extravasation), Nephrotoxicity (cats), Anaphylactoid reactions.

›Does Doxorubicin need a prescription?

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

›When should Doxorubicin not be used?

Do not use Doxorubicin if: Severe cardiac disease / Cardiomyopathy; Perivascular injection (severe vesicant).

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 (Anthracycline antibiotic).

Epirubicin

Epimer of doxorubicin with same mechanism (DNA intercalation, topoisomerase II inhibition, free radical generation) but with reduced cardiotoxicity and more rapid clearance. Cell-cycle non-specific.

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