Pharmacokinetics of continuous intravenous and subcutaneous infusions of cytosine arabinoside

The pharmacokinetics of continuous subcutaneous cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) infusions were compared with continuous intravenous infusions. Steady-state serum ara-C levels and myelosuppression were similar with both routes of administration. CSF/serum ara-C ratios ranged from 0.14 to 0.91 (mean, 0.58). Continuous subcutaneous ara-C infusions were a convenient and reliable alternative to intravenous infusions.