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L-Asparaginase

Prescription

Enzyme (Chemotherapy)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Hydrolyzes L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, depleting circulating asparagine. Lymphoma cells lack asparagine synthetase and cannot synthesize asparagine de novo, leading to protein synthesis failure and apoptosis.

At a glance

Class

Enzyme (Chemotherapy)

Schedule

Prescription (Chemotherapy)

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted solution stable 8h at room temperature or 48h refrigerated; avoid shaking

Dosing

🐕

Dog

IM preferred over IV to reduce anaphylaxis risk

Dose

—

Route

IM, SQ

Frequency

Weekly or per chemotherapy protocol

🐈

Cat

Feline lymphoma protocols often include L-asparaginase

Dose

—

Route

IM, 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 8h at room temperature or 48h refrigerated; avoid shaking

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Monitor 30–60 min post-injection for anaphylaxisSerum lipase/amylaseCoagulation panel (PT, aPTT)Blood glucoseLiver enzymes

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Vincristine

moderate

If L-asparaginase is given BEFORE vincristine, it reduces hepatic metabolism/clearance of vincristine, increasing vincristine levels and neurotoxicity risk.

Management: Give vincristine BEFORE L-asparaginase (not after). Standard CHOP protocol already sequences this correctly.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Elspar

Kidrolase

Erwinaze

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is L-Asparaginase?

L-Asparaginase is a enzyme (chemotherapy) used in pets. Hydrolyzes L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, depleting circulating asparagine. Lymphoma cells lack asparagine synthetase and cannot synthesize asparagine de novo, leading to protein synthesis failure and apoptosis.

›What is L-Asparaginase used for in pets?

L-Asparaginase is used in veterinary medicine for: IM preferred over IV to reduce anaphylaxis risk; Feline lymphoma protocols often include L-asparaginase.

›What is the L-Asparaginase dose for dogs?

For dogs, L-Asparaginase is typically dosed as follows — IM preferred over IV to reduce anaphylaxis risk: undefined undefined IM/SQ Weekly or per chemotherapy protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the L-Asparaginase dose for cats?

For cats, L-Asparaginase is typically dosed as follows — Feline lymphoma protocols often include L-asparaginase: undefined undefined IM/SQ Weekly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does L-Asparaginase need a prescription?

Yes. L-Asparaginase 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