Sehydrin
Related Terms
- 2,4-dinitro-phenylhydrazine, alpha-methyldopa-hydrazine, beta-phenylisopropylhydrazine, carbidopa, diamide, diamine, dimethylhydrazine, hydrazine, hydrazine monosulphate, hydrazine sulphate, hydrazinium sulphate, hydrazonium sulphate, idrazina solfato (Italian), Sehydrin?.
- Note: Hydrazine (N2H4), a precursor component of hydrazine sulfate and widely used industrial compound is generally not considered as within the purview of this monograph.
Background
- Hydrazine is a chemical compound. It is a colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Hydrazine is converted to solid salts by treatment with mineral acids. A common salt is hydrazine sulfate, which is marketed as having the potential to reduce weight loss and cachexia (physical wasting with loss of weight and muscle mass caused by disease) associated with cancer, and to improve general appetite status However, based on studies in humans, hydrazine sulfate has not been proven effective for improving appetite, reducing weight loss, or improving survival in adults with small cell lung cancer (when used as adjuvant therapy) or metastatic colorectal cancer (when used alone).
- Hydrazine sulfate causes liver damage in rodents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have determined that hydrazine sulfate may have cancer-causing effects.
- Other applications of hydrazine include: corrosion inhibitor, herbicide and pesticide component, laboratory reagent, refining rare metals, soldering flux for light metals, silvering of mirrors, and rocket fuel.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
The results of multiple clinical studies for the use of hydrazine sulfate in cancer-related cachexia are conflicting. The use of hydrazine sulfate cannot be fully recommended due to the lack well-designed studies and potential risks. More established therapies are recommended at this time.
|
C |
The results of multiple clinical studies for the use of hydrazine sulfate in cancer-related cachexia are conflicting. The use of hydrazine sulfate cannot be fully recommended due to the lack well-designed studies and potential risks. More established therapies are recommended at this time.
|
C |
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored studies of hydrazine sulfate that claimed efficacy in improving survival for some patients with advanced cancer. Trial results found that hydrazine sulfate did not prolong survival for cancer patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received requests from individual physicians for approval to use hydrazine sulfate on a case-by-case "compassionate use" basis on the chance that patients with no other available effective therapy might benefit. The overall controversy in the use of hydrazine sulfate is ongoing, and relevance to clinical practice is unknown. The use of hydrazine sulfate needs to be evaluated further before any recommendations can be made. Side effects have been reported.
|
D |
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored studies of hydrazine sulfate that claimed efficacy in improving survival for some patients with advanced cancer. Trial results found that hydrazine sulfate did not prolong survival for cancer patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received requests from individual physicians for approval to use hydrazine sulfate on a case-by-case "compassionate use" basis on the chance that patients with no other available effective therapy might benefit. The overall controversy in the use of hydrazine sulfate is ongoing, and relevance to clinical practice is unknown. The use of hydrazine sulfate needs to be evaluated further before any recommendations can be made. Side effects have been reported.
|
D | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (over 18 years old)
- Hydrazine sulfate is not recommended for ingestion. Various doses have been used in clinical trials but are not recommended. 60 milligrams of hydrazine sulfate taken by mouth one to three times daily for 30 days in patients with cancer and/or cachexia. Injections have also been given by a healthcare provider.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- One clinical study reported that a patient with lung cancer experienced flushing after alcohol ingestion while on hydrazine sulfate therapy.
- Hydrazine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Therefore, use of hydrazine with SSRIs, TCAs, tetracyclic, or other MAOI antidepressants or amphetamines should be avoided as it may result in hypertensive crisis (dangerously high blood pressure) and/or serotonin syndrome. A derivative of hydrazine has been used as an antidepressant in the MAOI family for the treatment of minor depressive states, but failed to show any beneficial results.
- Dr. Joseph Gold, the pioneer in hydrazine use in cancer patients, has conducted several studies on the effects of hydrazine sulfate; he suggested that patients using hydrazine sulfate refrain from using benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
- Hydrazine sulfate used with bleomycin, a chemotherapy drug, may lead to an additive effect of both agents. Hydrazine sulfate used with cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, may lead to enhanced antitumor effects of cyclophosphamide.
- Hydrazine sulfate may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Hydrazine sulfate used along with isoniazid (an antituberculosis medication) may lead to enhanced effects of hydrazine.
- Hydrazine may increase the length of time that levodopa (a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease) works.
- Hydrazine sulfate used with methotrexate (a drug used to treat cancer) may lead to an additive effect of both agents.
- Hydrazine sulfate used with mitomycin C may lead to enhanced antitumor effects of mitomycin C when these agents are administered six hours apart from each other. The study found that if hydrazine sulfate and mitomycin C are mixed in the same syringe, they inactivate each other.
- Hydrazine sulfate may cause high blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that increase blood pressure.
- Hydrazine sulfate may interact with alcohol, drugs used to treat seizures (anticonvulsants), antihistamines, antipsychotics, cyclobenzaprine, dextromethorphan, drugs that are toxic to the liver or kidneys, merperidine, sympathomimetics, and tramadol.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
Chlebowski RT, Heber D, Richardson B, et al. Influence of hydrazine sulfate (HS) on carbohydrate metabolism in cancer cachexia: a randomized, placebo controlled trial [abstract]. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 1982;1:59.
Chlebowski RT, Bulcavage L, Grosvenor M, et al. Hydrazine sulfate in cancer patients with weight loss. A placebo-controlled clinical experience. Cancer 1987;59(3):406-410.
Durant PJ, Harris RA. Hydrazine and lupus. N Engl J Med 1980;303(10):584-585.
Freese E, Sklarow S, Freese EB. DNA damage caused by antidepressant hydrazines and related drugs. Mutat Res 1968;5(3):343-348.
Gershanovich ML, Danova LA, Kondratyev VB, et al. Clinical data on the antitumor activity of hydrazine sulfate. Cancer Treat Rep 1976;60(7):933-935.
Kulkarni SG, Nawaz M. Acute hepatic encephalopathy following hydrazine - hydrate poisoning. J Assoc Physicians India 1982;30(3):171-172.
Lerner HJ, Regelson W. Clinical trial of hydrazine sulfate in solid tumors. Cancer Treat Rep 1976;60(7):959-960.
Morris J, Densem JW, Wald NJ, et al. Occupational exposure to hydrazine and subsequent risk of cancer. Occup Environ Med 1995;52(1):43-45.
Ochoa M, Jr., Wittes RE, Krakoff IH. Trial of hydrazine sulfate (NSC-150014) in patients with cancer. Cancer Chemother Rep 1975;59(6):1151-1154.
Reidenberg MM, Durant PJ, Harris RA, et al. Lupus erythematosus-like disease due to hydrazine. Am J Med 1983;75(2):365-370.
Rosenkranz HS, Carr HS. Hydrazine antidepressants and isoniazid: potential carcinogens. Lancet 1971;1(7713):1354-1355.
Sotaniemi E, Hirvonen J, Isomaki H, et al. Hydrazine toxicity in the human. Report of a fatal case. Ann Clin Res 1971;3(1):30-33.
Wald NJ. Hydrazine: epidemiological evidence. IARC Sci Publ 1985;(65):75-81.
Wald N, Boreham J, Doll R, et al. Occupational exposure to hydrazine and subsequent risk of cancer. Br J Ind Med 1984;41(1):31-34.
Wiernikowski A, Langer D. [Acute poisoning with orally ingested hydrazine hydrate]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski 1975;30(29):1231-1232.