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Vinblastine

Prescription

Vinca Alkaloid (Chemotherapy)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds tubulin and inhibits microtubule assembly, arresting cells in metaphase (M-phase specific). More myelosuppressive than vincristine but less neurotoxic. Key drug for mast cell tumors.

At a glance

Class

Vinca Alkaloid (Chemotherapy)

Schedule

Prescription (Chemotherapy)

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; protect from light; chemotherapy precautions

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Drug of choice for canine mast cell tumors (combined with prednisone — Thamm pro

Dose

2–3 mg/m²

Route

Frequency

q1–2 weeks per protocol

🐈

Cat

Used for feline mast cell tumors

Dose

2 mg/m²

Route

Frequency

q1–2 weeks

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; protect from light; chemotherapy precautions

Safety

Monitoring parameters

CBC at nadir (day 4–7) and before each doseCatheter patency before injectionTumor responseGI tolerance

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

moderate

Ketoconazole inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, potentially increasing vinblastine levels and myelosuppression.

Management: Monitor CBC more closely. Consider dose reduction of vinblastine.

Brands

Other markets

Velban

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Vinblastine?

Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid (chemotherapy) used in pets. Binds tubulin and inhibits microtubule assembly, arresting cells in metaphase (M-phase specific). More myelosuppressive than vincristine but less neurotoxic. Key drug for mast cell tumors.

›What is Vinblastine used for in pets?

Vinblastine is used in veterinary medicine for: Drug of choice for canine mast cell tumors (combined with prednisone — Thamm pro; Used for feline mast cell tumors.

›What is the Vinblastine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Vinblastine is typically dosed as follows — Drug of choice for canine mast cell tumors (combined with prednisone — Thamm pro: 2–3 mg/m² PO q1–2 weeks per protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Vinblastine dose for cats?

For cats, Vinblastine is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline mast cell tumors: 2 mg/m² IV q1–2 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Vinblastine need a prescription?

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

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

Other medicines in the same class (Vinca Alkaloid).

Vincristine

Binds to tubulin dimers, preventing microtubule polymerization and disrupting mitotic spindle formation, arresting cells in metaphase

dogcat