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Streptozocin

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

Mechanism of action

Naturally occurring nitrosourea antibiotic from Streptomyces achromogenes that alkylates DNA and selectively destroys pancreatic beta cells (used therapeutically for insulinoma). Also inhibits DNA synthesis via carbamylation.

At a glance

Class
Nitrosourea Alkylating Agent (Chemotherapy)
Schedule
Prescription (Chemotherapy)
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted stable 48h refrigerated; protect from light; chemotherapy precautions

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for metastatic insulinoma (destroys neoplastic beta cells)
Dose
250–500 mL
Route
PO
Frequency
q2–3 weeks
🐈

Cat

Feline insulinoma is extremely rare
Dose
Route
N, A
Frequency
N/A
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 stable 48h refrigerated; protect from light; chemotherapy precautions

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Renal function (BUN, creatinine, urinalysis) before and 24h after each doseBlood glucose (diabetes onset)CBCGI toleranceUrine output during diuresis
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

Zanosar

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Streptozocin?
Streptozocin is a nitrosourea alkylating agent (chemotherapy) used in pets. Naturally occurring nitrosourea antibiotic from Streptomyces achromogenes that alkylates DNA and selectively destroys pancreatic beta cells (used therapeutically for insulinoma). Also inhibits DNA synthesis via carbamylation.
What is Streptozocin used for in pets?
Streptozocin is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for metastatic insulinoma (destroys neoplastic beta cells); Feline insulinoma is extremely rare.
What is the Streptozocin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Streptozocin is typically dosed as follows — Used for metastatic insulinoma (destroys neoplastic beta cells): 250–500 mL PO q2–3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Streptozocin dose for cats?
For cats, Streptozocin is typically dosed as follows — Feline insulinoma is extremely rare: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Streptozocin need a prescription?
Yes. Streptozocin 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 (Nitrosourea Alkylating Agent).

Lomustine (CCNU)
Rx
Lipophilic nitrosourea that alkylates and crosslinks DNA strands, and carbamylates proteins. Excellent CNS penetration due to lipid solubility. Cell-cycle non-specific.
dogcat
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