Clinical Overview
Paclitaxel Injection (100mg / 6mg/ml) is a plant alkaloid taxane antineoplastic on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It binds with high affinity to the beta-tubulin subunit of microtubules, promoting microtubule assembly and preventing microtubule depolymerization. This stabilizes the microtubule polymer network, freezing the mitotic spindle apparatus and blocking cell cycle progression at the metaphase/anaphase transition, inducing apoptosis. Indicated for advanced ovarian carcinoma, node-positive breast cancer, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Administer intravenously only over 3 hours diluted in non-PVC containers and infused through an in-line 0.22-micron filter. MANDATORY PREMEDICATIONS to prevent lethal hypersensitivity to the polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL) vehicle: 1) Dexamethasone 20 mg orally at 12 and 6 hours prior; 2) Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV 30-60 min prior; 3) Ranitidine 50 mg IV 30-60 min prior.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Complete alopecia, sensory peripheral neuropathy (glove-and-stocking numbness and paresthesias), dose-limiting neutropenia, myalgias, arthralgias. Rare/Severe: Fatal anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions (dyspnea, flushing, chest pain, hypotension), cardiac conduction disturbances (bradycardia, heart block), and severe extravasation necrosis.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black Box Warning: Severe, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions; mandatory 3-drug premedication is strictly required. Black Box Warning: Severe neutropenia; monitor ANC (>1,500 cells/mm³ required). Must be infused using non-PVC IV tubing and containers to avoid DEHP plasticizer leaching.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.