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Vincristine

Prescription
Vinca alkaloid — antineoplastic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

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

At a glance

Class
Vinca alkaloid — antineoplastic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; protect from light; handle with gloves (cytotoxic)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Lymphoma (CHOP protocol) / Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) / Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Dose
0.5–0.75 mg/m²
Route
IV (strict)
Frequency
Weekly (oncology protocol-dependent)
Max dose
2 mg
Duration: Per protocol; 4–8 weekly doses for TVT
🐈

Cat

Lymphoma (COP/CHOP protocol)
Dose
0.5–0.75 mg/m²
Route
IV (strict)
Frequency
Weekly per protocol
Max dose
1 mg
Duration: Per oncology protocol

Formulations

💉

Injection — 1

Strength
1mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Refrigerate at 2–8°C; protect from light; handle with gloves (cytotoxic)

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Perivascular injection (severe vesicant)
    MUST be given IV only — causes severe tissue necrosis if extravasated
  • Severe hepatic impairment
    Hepatically metabolized

Use with caution

  • Pre-existing neuropathy
    May worsen peripheral neuropathy

Adverse effects

Common
Mild GI upset
Inappetence
Serious
Severe tissue necrosis (extravasation)
Peripheral neuropathy
Ileus
Mild myelosuppression

Monitoring parameters

CBC before each doseIV catheter placement verifiedNeurological exam

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Metronidazole
moderate
Both can cause peripheral neuropathy; additive neurotoxic risk
Management: Monitor for signs of peripheral neuropathy (weakness, ataxia). Avoid prolonged concurrent use.
L-Asparaginase
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.

Brands

International

Oncovin
Eli Lilly

India

Cytocristin
Cipla
Vincasar
Pfizer India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Vincristine?
Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid — antineoplastic used in pets. Binds to tubulin dimers, preventing microtubule polymerization and disrupting mitotic spindle formation, arresting cells in metaphase
›What is Vincristine used for in pets?
Vincristine is used in veterinary medicine for: Lymphoma (CHOP protocol) / Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) / Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia; Lymphoma (COP/CHOP protocol).
›What is the Vincristine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Vincristine is typically dosed as follows — Lymphoma (CHOP protocol) / Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) / Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: 0.5–0.75 mg/m² IV (strict) Weekly (oncology protocol-dependent). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Vincristine dose for cats?
For cats, Vincristine is typically dosed as follows — Lymphoma (COP/CHOP protocol): 0.5–0.75 mg/m² IV (strict) Weekly per protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Vincristine?
Common: Mild GI upset, Inappetence. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe tissue necrosis (extravasation), Peripheral neuropathy, Ileus, Mild myelosuppression.
›Does Vincristine need a prescription?
Yes. Vincristine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Vincristine not be used?
Do not use Vincristine if: Perivascular injection (severe vesicant); Severe hepatic impairment.

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

Other medicines in the same class (Vinca alkaloid).

Vinblastine
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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.
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