Substrate of CYP 2C9 and 2D6, but no reports of interference with CYP-metabolism of other drugs. Not listed as CYP-inducer. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting may be potentially porphyrinogenic through reduction in caloric intake.

Idarubicin is a semisynthetic anthracycline.

Idarubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic with antineoplastic actions similar to those of doxorubicin. It is used alone or with other drugs, in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemias, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and advanced breast cancer. It is administered intravenously. Common adverse reactions of idarubicin that can be confused with an acute porphyric attack are acute nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting may be potentially porphyrinogenic through reduction in caloric intake.

Idarubicin is extensively metabolismed in the liver. It is rapidly metabolized by bioreduction via P450 reductases to idarubicinol, the principal active metabolite (Celic, 2008). No observations of interference with CYP-metabolism of other drugs. Colburn found that idarubicin is a substrate of CYP 2D6 AND 2C9, and an inhibitor of 2D6. No observations of acceleration of CYP metabolism of other drugs and not listed as CYP inducer (Rendic, 2002).