This is an alkylating agent with properties similar to those of cyclophosphamide.

Indications: solid tumours of lung, ovary, cervix, breast, thymus and testis; soft tissue sarcoma; osteosarcoma; malignant lymphomas; carcinoma of the pancreas; head and neck tumours.

Cautions: should be administered in association with mesna, and adequate hydration should be maintained to avoid urological toxicity; fluid intake should not be less than 2 litres daily.

Contra-indications: hepatic impairment; hypersensitivity to ifosfamide, bone-marrow aplasia, myelosuppression; infections; pregnancy; breast-feeding.

Side effect: As for cyclophosphamide; amenorrhoea; azoospermia; potential risk to future progeny; mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties.

Dose: According to individual protocol.

Children: 1200-1800mg/m2/day for 3-5 days every 3-4 weeks or 5 g/m2 once every 3- 4 weeks or 3 g/m2 for 2 days every 3-4 weeks.

Adults: 50mg/kg /day or 700-2000mg /m2/day for 5 days every 3-4 weeks or 2400mg/m2/day for 3 days every 3- 4 weeks or 5000mg /m2 as single dose every 3-4 weeks.