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Mechlorethamine

Prescription
Nitrogen Mustard Alkylating Agent (Chemotherapy)
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

First alkylating agent developed (WWII mustard gas derivative). Bifunctional alkylator forming interstrand DNA crosslinks. Component of MOPP rescue protocol for lymphoma. Extremely vesicant. Cell-cycle non-specific.

At a glance

Class
Nitrogen Mustard Alkylating Agent (Chemotherapy)
Schedule
Prescription (Chemotherapy)
Storage
Store at room temperature; reconstituted unstable — use within minutes; chemotherapy precautions

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Rescue protocol for relapsed lymphoma
Dose
Route
PO
Frequency
Day 1 of each MOPP cycle (q4 weeks)
🐈

Cat

Rarely used in feline oncology
Dose
Route
IV
Frequency
Per protocol
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

Store at room temperature; reconstituted unstable — use within minutes; chemotherapy precautions

Safety

Monitoring parameters

CBC at nadirCatheter patency (confirm blood return before/during injection)GI toleranceTumor response
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.

Brands

Other markets

Mustargen

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Mechlorethamine?
Mechlorethamine is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent (chemotherapy) used in pets. First alkylating agent developed (WWII mustard gas derivative). Bifunctional alkylator forming interstrand DNA crosslinks. Component of MOPP rescue protocol for lymphoma. Extremely vesicant. Cell-cycle non-specific.
What is Mechlorethamine used for in pets?
Mechlorethamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Rescue protocol for relapsed lymphoma; Rarely used in feline oncology.
What is the Mechlorethamine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Mechlorethamine is typically dosed as follows — Rescue protocol for relapsed lymphoma: undefined undefined PO Day 1 of each MOPP cycle (q4 weeks). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Mechlorethamine dose for cats?
For cats, Mechlorethamine is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used in feline oncology: undefined undefined IV Per protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Mechlorethamine need a prescription?
Yes. Mechlorethamine 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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Nitrogen Mustard Alkylating Agent).

Ifosfamide
Rx
Oxazaphosphorine prodrug activated by hepatic CYP3A4 to isophosphoramide mustard and acrolein. Alkylates DNA causing crosslinks and strand breaks. Cell-cycle non-specific. Requires mesna co-administration to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis.
dogcat
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