hodpro 50mg capsule - Procarbazine (50mg) medicine

Hodpro 50mg Capsule (Procarbazine): Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Neon Laboratories Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 22, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 🤰 Pregnancy Category Not established from the available information. This medicine is known to be harmful to the developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary under specialist care. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for Hodgkin lymphoma; limited for other uses.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 22, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or chills
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Severe headache with visual changes or palpitations
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output
  • Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Confusion or extreme drowsiness

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is hodpro 50mg capsule used for?

This medicine is a prescription chemotherapy capsule containing procarbazine 50 mg. It is used mainly for Hodgkin lymphoma and some brain tumours. It works by damaging cancer cell DNA. It must be taken under strict specialist supervision because it can cause serious side effects and dangerous interactions with alcohol and certain foods.

  • Generic Name: Procarbazine (50mg)
  • Manufacturer: Neon Laboratories Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 hodpro 50mg capsule के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा प्रोकार्बाज़ीन 50 मिलीग्राम कैप्सूल है, जिसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से हॉजकिन लिम्फोमा और कुछ ब्रेन ट्यूमर के इलाज में कीमोथेरेपी के हिस्से के रूप में किया जाता है। यह कैंसर कोशिकाओं के डीएनए को नुकसान पहुंचाकर उनकी वृद्धि को रोकती है। यह दवा केवल कैंसर विशेषज्ञ की देखरेख में ही लेनी चाहिए। इसे शराब, पनीर, प्रोसेस्ड मीट और फर्मेंटेड खाद्य पदार्थों के साथ नहीं लेना चाहिए क्योंकि इससे खतरनाक प्रतिक्रियाएं हो सकती हैं।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, भूख न लगना, थकान और रक्त कोशिकाओं की कमी शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में संक्रमण, आसानी से खून आना, पीलिया, सांस लेने में कठिनाई और एलर्जी शामिल हो सकते हैं। अगर आपको बुखार, गले में दर्द, मुंह के छाले, खून बहना, पेशाब में कमी या आंखों का पीला होना दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल योग्य कैंसर विशेषज्ञ की देखरेख में ही लें। कैप्सूल को पानी के साथ पूरा निगलें, इसे तोड़ें या चबाएं नहीं। इलाज के दौरान शराब बिल्कुल न लें। पनीर, प्रोसेस्ड मीट, सोया सॉस और फर्मेंटेड खाद्य पदार्थों से बचें क्योंकि इनमें टायरामिन होता है जो रक्तचाप को खतरनाक रूप से बढ़ा सकता है। इलाज के दौरान और बाद में भी गर्भनिरोधक उपाय अपनाएं। बुखार, खून बहना या असामान्य थकान होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।

💡 Did You Know? Over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical companies.

💊 hodpro 50mg capsule Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Hodgkin lymphoma","description":"Used as part of combination chemotherapy regimens such as MOPP or BEACOPP for treating Hodgkin lymphoma under specialist care.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Brain tumours (gliomas)","description":"Sometimes included in combination regimens for certain high-grade brain tumours, especially in specialist oncology protocols.","evidence":"Established in selected protocols"},{"condition":"Non-Hodgkin lymphoma","description":"May be used in some combination regimens for selected non-Hodgkin lymphomas when other options are unsuitable.","evidence":"Limited to specialist use"},{"condition":"Other solid tumours","description":"Occasionally used in selected solid tumours as part of investigational or specialist regimens.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Refractory mycosis fungoides","description":"Rarely used off-label in some cutaneous T-cell lymphomas under specialist supervision.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Selected paediatric malignancies","description":"Occasionally included in paediatric oncology protocols for certain tumours, only by paediatric oncologists.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Hodgkin lymphoma

Also treats: Brain tumours, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Procarbazine (50mg)
Brand Namehodpro 50mg capsule
ManufacturerNeon Laboratories Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action ClassAnticancer-others
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original container.
Shelf LifeNot established from the available information. Check the expiry date on the pack.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your oncologist; never adjust the dose on your own.
2
Avoid all alcohol and tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented soy products.
3
Get your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function tested regularly as advised.
4
Report any fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding, or bruising immediately to your doctor.
5
Use reliable contraception during treatment and for several months after stopping.
6
Do not receive any live vaccines without your oncologist's approval.
7
Wash your hands frequently and avoid crowded places when your blood counts are low.
8
Inform all your doctors and dentists that you are taking this medicine before any procedure.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Swollen lymph nodes
This medicine is used in Hodgkin lymphoma which can cause lymph node swelling.
Likely Use
✅
Night sweats and fever
These are common B symptoms of lymphoma treated with this medicine.
Likely Use
❌
Headache
This medicine is not a primary headache treatment.
Not Primary
❌
Common cold
This medicine is not an antibiotic or antiviral.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionProcarbazine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
DistributionProcarbazine distributes widely into body tissues and crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is important for its use in brain tumours.
Protein BindingNot established from the available information.
MetabolismProcarbazine undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, including activation to reactive alkylating species and inactivation pathways.
Half-LifeApproximately 10 minutes for the parent drug, but active metabolites may persist longer.
ExcretionMetabolites are excreted mainly in the urine, with a small amount in the faeces.
BioavailabilityHigh, approximately 70-90% after oral administration.
Onset of ActionThe anticancer effect begins after several days of treatment, but clinical response may take weeks to become apparent.
Peak Plasma TimeApproximately 1 hour after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe biological effect on cancer cells persists beyond the detectable plasma half-life due to DNA damage and active metabolites.

How It Works

Procarbazine is a prodrug that undergoes metabolic activation in the body to form reactive intermediates. These intermediates alkylate DNA, forming cross-links and adducts that interfere with DNA replication and transcription. This damage is most harmful to rapidly dividing cancer cells, which eventually undergo cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Procarbazine also inhibits monoamine oxidase, which explains several food and drug interactions. Its antineoplastic action is not cell-cycle specific, but it is most effective against actively dividing cells.

Mechanism Steps

1
Prodrug activation: Procarbazine is metabolically activated in the liver and tissues to form reactive alkylating species.
2
DNA alkylation: The reactive metabolites attach alkyl groups to DNA bases, forming adducts and cross-links.
3
Replication blockade: Alkylated DNA cannot replicate or transcribe normally, leading to cell cycle arrest.
4
Cell death: Persistent DNA damage triggers apoptosis in cancer cells, reducing tumour burden.
5
MAO inhibition: Procarbazine also inhibits monoamine oxidase, which can cause dangerous reactions with tyramine-rich foods and certain medicines.

💡 How to Take hodpro 50mg capsule

Strength: Procarbazine 50 mg immediate-release capsule

1Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
2Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
3Take it at the same time each day as advised by your doctor.
4Take with food if it causes stomach upset.
5Avoid alcohol and tyramine-rich foods completely.
6Wash your hands after handling the capsule.
7Follow your oncology team's instructions exactly.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe dose of this medicine is individualized by a qualified oncologist based on the type of cancer, body weight, blood counts, and other medicines in the regimen. It is usually given as part of a combination chemotherapy cycle, often for 10 to 14 days followed by a rest period. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Never adjust the dose without your oncologist's advice.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric oncologist.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially bone marrow suppression and neurological effects. Doses are often reduced and monitoring is more frequent. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Renal ImpairmentNot established from the available information. Dose adjustment may be needed in kidney impairment; consult your specialist.
Hepatic ImpairmentNot established from the available information. Dose reduction may be required in liver impairment; consult your specialist.
Maximum Daily DoseNot established from the available information. The maximum dose is determined by the treating oncologist based on the specific regimen and patient factors.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset and nausea.
Aged cheese, cured meats, fermented soy, soy sauce, broad bean pods
Avoid completely
Contain tyramine which can cause hypertensive crisis.
Alcohol
Avoid completely
Can cause disulfiram-like reaction.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.
📌 You are unsure what to do
→ Contact your oncology team for guidance.
💡 Never take extra doses without medical advice.

⚠️ Side Effects of hodpro 50mg capsule

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting (Common (10-30%))
Take anti-nausea medicines as prescribed and eat small frequent meals. Inform your doctor if vomiting is severe.
Loss of appetite (Common (10-20%))
Eat small, frequent, high-calorie meals. Consult a dietitian if weight loss continues.
Tiredness and weakness (Common (10-20%))
Rest adequately and pace your activities. Report severe fatigue to your doctor.
Bone marrow suppression (low blood counts) (Common (10-30%))
Get regular blood tests as advised. Report fever, bleeding, or bruising immediately.
Diarrhoea (Common (5-10%))
Stay hydrated and avoid spicy foods. Seek medical advice if diarrhoea is persistent.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia) (Uncommon but serious (1-10%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding, or bruising.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Call emergency services immediately if you experience swelling of face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash.
Liver injury (hepatotoxicity) (Uncommon (1-5%))
Report yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain to your doctor immediately.
Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) (Rare (<1%))
Seek urgent care if you develop new or worsening cough, breathlessness, or chest pain.
Secondary cancers (e.g., leukaemia) (Rare, associated with long-term use)
Discuss long-term risks with your oncologist and attend all follow-up appointments.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Peripheral neuropathy
Report numbness, tingling, or weakness in hands or feet to your doctor.
Confusion or mood changes
Inform your doctor if you or your family notice confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes.
Hypertensive crisis due to tyramine interaction
Avoid tyramine-rich foods and seek immediate care for severe headache, palpitations, or visual changes.
Photosensitivity rash
Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
MAOIs Major
Sympathomimetics Major
Tyramine-rich foods Major
Alcohol Major
Live vaccines Major
Warfarin Moderate
CNS depressants Moderate
Phenytoin Moderate
Antacids Minor
Caffeine Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, amphetamines)
  • Tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats, fermented soy)
  • Alcohol
  • Live vaccines

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, opioids)
  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
  • Other myelosuppressive chemotherapy
  • Phenytoin

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol must be completely avoided while taking this medicine. Combining them can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and low blood pressure. Alcohol may also worsen bone marrow suppression and liver toxicity.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to procarbazine or any component of the formulation","Severe bone marrow suppression","Pregnancy or planning pregnancy","Breastfeeding","Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors","Severe liver disease"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["This medicine can cause severe bone marrow suppression; regular blood counts are essential.","Avoid all alcohol and tyramine-rich foods to prevent dangerous reactions.","Do not receive live vaccines during treatment.","Use reliable contraception during treatment and for several months after.","Report any fever, sore throat, bleeding, or bruising immediately.","May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Can cause liver injury; report yellowing of eyes or skin.","Long-term use may increase the risk of secondary cancers."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Not established from the available information. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for a period after stopping, as this medicine may pass into breast milk and harm the infant.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose can cause severe bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and may include blood transfusions, antibiotics, and close monitoring in a hospital setting. Seek emergency medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within a few hours of the scheduled time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Inform your oncology team about any missed doses.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine must only be taken under the supervision of a qualified cancer specialist. Swallow the capsule whole with water, do not crush or open it, and follow the exact schedule given by your oncology team. Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for some time after, because it can cause severe reactions. Avoid aged cheese, cured meats, fermented foods, soy sauce, and broad bean pods, as these contain tyramine and can raise blood pressure dangerously. Use reliable contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards. Do not receive live vaccines without asking your doctor. Wash hands frequently, avoid crowds during low blood count periods, and report any fever, bleeding, or unusual tiredness immediately.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients are more prone to bone marrow suppression, infections, and neurological side effects. Doses may need to be reduced, and monitoring should be more frequent. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

This medicine can harm the developing baby. Both men and women should use reliable contraception during treatment and for several months after stopping. If you are planning pregnancy, consult your oncologist well in advance.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Inform your surgeon and anaesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. It may increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Your doctor may advise temporary discontinuation around the time of surgery.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It can increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics or other precautions.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
🥗
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
😴
Get adequate rest and sleep to help your body recover.
💧
Wash your hands frequently to prevent infections.
🧘
Avoid crowded places when your blood counts are low.
🌞
Exercise gently as tolerated, but avoid strenuous activities if you feel weak.
🚭
Keep all follow-up appointments with your oncology team.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Mild to moderate exercise like walking may be beneficial, but avoid strenuous activities if you feel tired, dizzy, or have low blood counts. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea.
Include protein-rich foods to support recovery.
Avoid tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented soy.
Stay well hydrated with water and clear fluids.
Limit caffeine if it causes nervousness or palpitations.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause drowsiness, fatigue, and dizziness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you. You may need to take time off work during treatment cycles. Discuss your work schedule with your doctor.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your oncologist. Stopping suddenly may reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may adjust the dose or stop the medicine temporarily. Always follow your specialist's advice.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine may increase the risk of secondary cancers such as leukaemia. It can also cause persistent bone marrow suppression, liver injury, and peripheral neuropathy. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and neurological status is essential. Discuss long-term risks and benefits with your oncologist.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Other chemotherapy regimens

Depending on the cancer type and stage, other combination regimens may be used.

Evidence: Well-established
Radiation therapy

May be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Evidence: Well-established
Targeted therapy

Newer targeted medicines may be options for some lymphomas.

Evidence: Established in selected cases

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

Do not receive live vaccines while taking this medicine due to the risk of serious infection. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but their effectiveness may be reduced. Consult your oncologist before any vaccination.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✅ DO

Keep out of reach of children

❌ DON'T

Do not use after expiry date

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your hand luggage and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If travelling across time zones, ask your oncologist how to adjust your dosing schedule. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. Never pack it in checked baggage.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma
He was started on a combination chemotherapy regimen that included this medicine. He experienced nausea and fatigue during the first cycle but improved with anti-nausea medicines and dietary changes. He strictly avoided alcohol and tyramine-rich foods as advised. His blood counts were monitored regularly, and he completed his treatment successfully.
💡 Lesson: Strict adherence to dietary restrictions and regular monitoring helps manage side effects and improves treatment outcomes.
👤 A 50-year-old woman with a brain tumour
She was prescribed this medicine as part of her treatment plan. She initially felt dizzy and tired, so her doctor adjusted her dose. She was advised to avoid driving during treatment. With regular follow-up and support from her family, she managed her daily activities safely.
💡 Lesson: Dose adjustments and lifestyle modifications can help patients safely continue treatment despite side effects.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: The anticancer effect begins after several days, but clinical response may take weeks to become apparent. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular tests.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, you can take it with food to reduce stomach upset. However, avoid tyramine-rich foods and alcohol completely.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within a few hours. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.

Q: Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

A: No, this medicine can harm the developing baby and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Use reliable contraception during treatment and for several months after.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

A: No, alcohol must be completely avoided as it can cause a severe disulfiram-like reaction.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my fertility?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?
  • What foods should I avoid?
  • Is it safe during pregnancy?

🔄 Substitutes for hodpro 50mg capsule

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can be taken like a regular vitamin or tonic.
    Fact: This medicine is a powerful chemotherapy drug and must only be taken under specialist supervision.
  • Myth: Alcohol in small amounts is safe with this medicine.
    Fact: Alcohol must be completely avoided because it can cause a severe disulfiram-like reaction.
  • Myth: You can eat any food while on this medicine.
    Fact: Tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese and cured meats must be avoided to prevent a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
  • Myth: This medicine is safe during pregnancy.
    Fact: This medicine can harm the developing baby and is contraindicated during pregnancy.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Procarbazine 50 mg capsule

Brand Alternatives

  • Hodpro 50mg capsule

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Procarbazine","class":"Alkylating agent","main_use":"Hodgkin lymphoma, brain tumours","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Dacarbazine","class":"Alkylating agent","main_use":"Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma","route":"Intravenous"},{"medicine":"Cyclophosphamide","class":"Alkylating agent","main_use":"Lymphomas, breast cancer","route":"Oral, intravenous"}]

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