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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
2

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

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

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.

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).

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

Related medicines

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Epirubicin
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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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