Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is anticancer/antineoplastic agent. Paclitaxel is a complex diterpene alkaloid derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree Taxus brevifolia and the European yew (Taxus baccata). Paclitaxel is effective in the treatment of advanced ovarian resistant to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, in metastatic breast cancer resistant to anthracycline therapy and lung cancer in combination with Cisplatin . Severe adverse effects include bone marrow supression, peripheral neuropathy. Paclitaxel is administered intravenously.
Primary Characteristics
It belongs to Benzoyl Amino Lactic Acid.
It is classified in Antineoplastic Agent, Plant Derivative pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 853.9 · Solubility in Water: Insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: null · Non-proprietary name: Paclitaxel.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Paclitaxel has a plasma protein binding is 89 - 98 %.
Elimination: renal excretion is 1 - 12 %.
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Indications
Paclitaxel is primarily indicated in conditions like Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, Primary ovarian cancer.
Contraindications
Paclitaxel is contraindicated in conditions like Neutropenia.
Dosage
Paclitaxel's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 175 mg/sq.meter | 175 mg/sq.meter | — | IV Inf | Over 3 hrs., repeated every 3 weeks |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | Not recommended for this age group | |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | Not recommended in this age group | |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Paclitaxel in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include AV-block , Anemia , Bone marrow depression , Bradycardia , Neutropenia , Cardiac arrhythmias.
Paclitaxel is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Arthralgia, Blood infection, Diarrhea, Hypotension , Mucositis, Myalgia, Nausea, Paresthesias, Respiratory tract infections, Thrombocytopenia, UTI , Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.8.2 — Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs