chlormethine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical alkylating antineoplastic agent, also called a nitrogen mustard analogue.
Licensed use
Mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults.
Route
Gel for affected skin only; avoid unaffected skin, eyes, mouth and nose.
Storage
Keep refrigerated in its original box inside the supplied child-resistant sealed bag and return it promptly after use.
What is chlormethine hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for:
Topical treatment of mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults.
How does chlormethine hydrochloride work?
Chlormethine attaches reactive chemical groups to DNA, interfering with the division and survival of rapidly proliferating cells in treated skin.
chlormethine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 160 micrograms/g
How to take chlormethine hydrochloride
Use only on the skin and follow the specialist team's application plan.
Apply to completely dry, affected skin. Wash accidental contact with unaffected skin using soap and water.
Remove from the refrigerator shortly before application and use within 30 minutes, then return it promptly to refrigerated storage.
Let treated skin dry before covering it with clothing. Do not use an air- or water-tight dressing.
Keep moisturisers and other topical products at least 2 hours apart from the gel.
Wash hands immediately after handling. Caregivers must wear disposable nitrile gloves.
Avoid flames and smoking until the gel has dried because it contains alcohol.
chlormethine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dermatitis or skin irritation, including redness, rash, burning or pain
- Itching
- Skin infection
- Blistering or skin ulceration
- Darkening of treated skin
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Get urgent medical advice
- Facial, lip, tongue or throat swelling or difficulty breathing: stop using the gel and seek immediate medical help.
- Blistering, ulceration or marked redness and swelling: stop applying the gel and contact the treating team promptly.
- New persistent damaged areas, ulcers or suspicious skin changes: arrange specialist assessment.
chlormethine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited. Chlormethine gel is not recommended during pregnancy or for women who could become pregnant and are not using contraception. Discuss pregnancy or pregnancy plans promptly with the specialist prescriber.
chlormethine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether chlormethine enters breast milk, and a baby could also be exposed through contact with treated skin. The specialist and patient should decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or chlormethine treatment after considering their respective benefits.
chlormethine hydrochloride interactions
Formal medicine-interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the specialist team about all topical and systemic treatments.
Moisturisers and other topical products
Keep them at least 2 hours apart from chlormethine gel to avoid direct mixing on treated skin.
Topical corticosteroids
Evidence on concurrent use is limited, so combined treatment should be reviewed by the specialist team.
Common questions about chlormethine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is chlormethine hydrochloride a form of chemotherapy?
Yes. It is a nitrogen mustard alkylating anticancer treatment applied directly to affected skin.
Which lymphoma is it licensed to treat?
Mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults.
Can it be applied to unaffected skin?
No. Apply it only to affected areas and wash accidental contact with unaffected skin using soap and water.
What should I do if it enters my eye?
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and obtain urgent medical and ophthalmic assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.