Converted to its metabolite, mesna disulphide, which in the kidneys then is converted to the free thiol, mesna. The free thiol reacts chemically with the urotoxic ifosfamide metabo-lites, resulting in their detoxification.

As a prophylactic agent in reducing the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis associated with ifosfamide therapy. Orphan drug use: Reduction of hemorrhagic cystitis in cyclophos-phamide therapy.

Excreted by the kidneys. Half-life: 0.36 to 1.7 hours.