Article: Mechlorethamine

Mechlorethamine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methyl-ethanamine
Identifiers
CAS number	51-75-2
ATC code	L01AA05
PubChem	4033
DrugBank	APRD00249
Chemical data
Formula	C5H11Cl2N
Mol. weight	156.055 g mol−1
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	℞ Prescription only
Routes	?

Mechlorethamine also known as chlormethine, mustine, nitrogen mustard and HN2 and sold under the brand name Mustargen, is the prototype anticancer chemotherapeutic drug. Successful clinical use of mechlorethamine gave birth to the field of anticancer chemotherapy. The drug is an analogue of mustard gas and was derived from chemical warfare research. It belongs to the group of nitrogen mustard alkylating agents.

It has been combined with estrogen as estramustine, used to treat prostate cancer.

It can also be used in chemical warfare where it has the code-name HN2. This chemical is a form of nitrogen mustard gas and therefore a powerful vesicant.