Definition: A compound composed of a two CYCLIC PEPTIDES attached to a phenoxazine that is derived from STREPTOMYCES parvullus. It binds to DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis (transcription), with chain elongation more sensitive than initiation, termination, or release. As a result of impaired mRNA production, protein synthesis also declines after dactinomycin therapy. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1993, p2015)
Other names Meractinomycin; Actinomycin D; Actinomycin; Lyovac, Cosmegen; Merck Sharp & Dohme Brand of Dactinomycin; Merck Frosst Brand of Dactinomycin; Merck Brand of Dactinomycin; MSD Brand of Dactinomycin; Lyovac-Cosmegen; Lemery Brand of Dactinomycin; Cosmegen Lyovac; Cosmegen; Ac-De