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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

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

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

💉

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Vinca alkaloid).

Vinblastine

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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