Paclitaxel Benefits & Uses

Paclitaxel is used to treat the following -

Other Benefits

Breast Cancer
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Paclitaxel Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult(Female)	Disease: Breast Cancer Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 300 mg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: doctor administered Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Given in every 3 weeks followed by cisplatin
Adult	Disease: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 225 mg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: doctor administered Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Given in every 3 weeks followed by cisplatin
Geriatric	Disease: Breast Cancer Before or After Meal: As advised by a physician Single Maximum Dose: 300 mg Dosage Route: Parenteral Frequency: doctor administered Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Given in every 3 weeks followed by cisplatin

Paclitaxel Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Paclitaxel is used -

Severe

Anemia (Read More - Home Remedies for Anaemia)
Decreased blood pressure
Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)

Moderate

Bleeding
Edema
Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)

Mild

Nausea or vomiting
Weakness
Rash
Flushing
Diarrhoea
Hair Loss
Infection
Injection Site Allergic Reaction
Fever (Read More - Home remedies for fever)

Paclitaxel Related Warnings

Is the use of Paclitaxel safe for pregnant women?

Paclitaxel shows severe side effect on pregnant women. For this reason, pregnant women should only take it after taking medical advice.

Severe
Is the use of Paclitaxel safe during breastfeeding?

Taking Paclitaxel may lead to serious side effects if you are breastfeeding. Paclitaxel should not be taken by breastfeeding women unless prescribed by the doctor.

Severe
What is the effect of Paclitaxel on the Kidneys?

There are no side effects of Paclitaxel on the kidneys.

Safe
What is the effect of Paclitaxel on the Liver?

Paclitaxel may cause harmful effects on liver. if you feel it's having any such effect, then stop taking this drug, and restart only on your doctor's advice.

Moderate
What is the effect of Paclitaxel on the Heart?

Paclitaxel has very mild side effects on the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Paclitaxel with Other Drugs

Paclitaxel should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Adalimumab

Clozapine

Etanercept

Ritonavir

Moderate

Emtricitabine,Tenofovir,Efavirenz

Ketoconazole

Paclitaxel Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Paclitaxel unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Liver Disease
Herpes
Heart Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Infections

Frequently asked Questions about Paclitaxel

Is this Paclitaxel habit forming or addictive?

Paclitaxel does not cause addiction.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

After taking Paclitaxel you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Yes, but take Paclitaxel only as per medical advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Paclitaxel cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

No

Paclitaxel Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Paclitaxel

It is safe to take Paclitaxel with food.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Paclitaxel

Consuming Paclitaxel with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.

Severe

See all substitutes for Paclitaxel

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 967-969

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 865-866

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Taxol® (paclitaxel)

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user;Abraxane® (paclitaxel protein-bound particles)

Paclitaxel Injection