Paclitaxel
About Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is an anticancer medicine, used in chemotherapy to treat a number of cancers. Primarily it is used in the treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It is sold under the trade name of Taxol. Paclitaxel is categorized as a plant alkaloid, a taxane and a antimicrotublue agent. Paclitaxel is injected into the body by injection or infusion.
Paclitaxel is a type of irritant that may cause an inflammation of your vein through which it is being given. Other side effects or reactions that you may experience on taking Paclitaxel are nausea, vomiting tendency, hair loss, diarrhea, hypersensitivity, mucositis, skin rash, flushing, blurred vision, numbness, dizziness, fever, paleness, difficulty in breathing, cough, sweating, slow or irregular heartbeat and chest pain. In certain adverse cases, it may cause major arthralgia, myalgia. It is advised that you seek medical attention if you are afflicted with any of these side effects.
Before taking Paclitaxel discuss with your doctor if you have any of the conditions mentioned below:
- If you are taking any prescriptive or over the counter drugs, herbal medications or dietary supplements.
- If you are planning to take any immunization, vaccination or radiation treatment anytime soon.
- If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant or are nursing a baby.
- If you have any allergies, bacterial or viral infections.
- If you are under 18 years of age.
- If you have heart, liver, kidney or bone marrow disorders.
Do not get pregnant while under Paclitaxel treatment. Use contraception for both men and women. Should you become pregnant, notify your doctor. The dosage is determined by your doctor according to your individual specifications and condition. The usual dose for treatment in ovarian and breast cancer is of two types; one is giving about 175 mg for three hours every three weeks followed by a Cisplatin therapy. And the second one is giving 135 mg for 24 hours every three weeks followed by the same cisplatin therapy.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of cancer that affects the female reproductive system.
Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of breast cancer.
Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer which is a type of cancer that affects the lungs.
Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of Kaposi's Sarcoma which is a type of cancer that develops under the skin in the lining of mouth, nose, and throat.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Paclitaxel ?
Not recommended in the patients with known allergy to Paclitaxel.
Neutrophils Count
Not recommended in the patients with neutrophils count less than 1,500 cells/mm3
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Paclitaxel ?
Difficulty In Swallowing
Pale Skin
Allergic Skin Reaction
Mouth Ulcers
Difficulty In Breathing
Chest Discomfort
Swelling And Redness At The Injection Site
Hair Loss Or Thinning Of The Hair
Nausea Or Vomiting
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Paclitaxel
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 27 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in less than an hour.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
It is advised not to miss any dose. If you missed any dose, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
Where is the Paclitaxel approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Paclitaxel
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Paclitaxel as ingredient
- Intaxel 30 MG Injection
Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
- Paclitax Nab 100 MG Infusion
Cipla Ltd
- Altaxel Nova 30 MG Injection
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Paxtal 260 MG Infusion
Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd
- Celtax 30 MG Injection
Celon Labs
- Mitotax 30 MG Injection
Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
- Oncotaxel 30 MG Injection
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
- Nanoxel 300 MG Injection
Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
- Altaxel 30 MG Injection
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Cytax 300 MG Infusion
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medicine belongs to the class antimicrotubule agent. It stabilizes the microtubules by precluding the depolymerization. This results in the hindrance of the normal reorganization dynamics of the microtubule network. This reorganisation is essential for vital interphase and cellular functions like mitotic.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Paclitaxel ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Alcohol
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Interaction with Lab Test
Lab
Information not available.Interaction with Medicine
Clozapine
These medicines may further lower the white blood cell count if received together. Any symptoms of fever, diarrhea, sore throat, chills should be informed to the doctor. Close monitoring of blood cell count is necessary. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.Diltiazem
Diltiazem may increase the concentration of Paclitaxel and may cause serious effects like low white blood cells count, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any antihypertensives before initiation of the treatment. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.Atorvastatin
These medicines may increase the risk of nerve damage if given together. Any symptoms of numbness, tingling or burning sensation in feet, hands should be informed to the doctor. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.Live vaccines
You may be at the risk of developing infections if these medicines are taken together. Inform the doctor if you had received either of these medicines. Your doctor may postpone therapy based on the condition.Interaction with Disease
Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities
This medicine is known to cause serious heart conduction abnormalities. Inform the doctor if you have any heart diseases. Close monitoring of low blood pressure and decreased heartbeat is necessary.Interaction with Food
Food
Information not available.
References
Paclitaxelt-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/paclitaxel
Paclitaxel-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01229
PACLITAXEL injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=PACLITAXEL
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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