Paclitaxel Pharmacology

Paclitaxel

About Paclitaxel
Taxane Derivative, Microtubule inhibitor(mitotic inhibitor), Antineoplastic.
Mechanism of Action of Paclitaxel
Drug binds specifically to the beta- tubuline and then enhances the polymerization of tubuline to stable microtubules. It also interacts directly with microtubules and stabilizing them against depolymerization, inhibits the normal recognition of the microtubule network necessary for mitosis and other cellular functions. Drug act at G2/M phase of the cell cycle.
Pharmacokinets of Paclitaxel
Absorption - Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration.
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body.89-98% bound to the plasma proteins.
Metabolism- Metabolized in the liver to its active and inactive metabolite.6-alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel is its active metabolite.
Excretion- Excreted through urine and feces.
Onset of Action for Paclitaxel
N/A
Duration of Action for Paclitaxel
N/A
Half Life of Paclitaxel
N/A
Side Effects of Paclitaxel
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Lowered resistance to infection
4. Bruising or unusual bleeding
5. Anemia
6. Weakness
7. Sore in mouth
8. Taste changes
9. Diarrhea
10. Loss of appetite
11. Visual changes
12. Black, tarry stools
13. Blood in urine or in stool
14. Cough or hoarseness
15. Fever
16. Chills
17. Lower back or side pain
18. Painful or difficult urination
19. Pinpoint red spot on skin
20. Slurred speech
21. Swelling on leg or lower leg
22. Shortness of breath
23. Bloody vomiting
24. Thinned or brittle hair
25. Mouth blistering
26. Thrombocytopenia
27. Leucopenia
28. Tachycardia
29. Bradycardia
30. Chest pain
31. Hypertension
32. Myalgia
33. Alopecia
34. Hepatic necrosis
35. Encephalopathy
Contra-indications of Paclitaxel
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug or polyoxyethylated castor oil
2. Baseline Neutropenia of 1<500cells/mm3 of blood
Special Precautions while taking Paclitaxel
1. Discontinue the therapy if there is hypotension, dyspnoea, angioedema or urticaria results during therapy.
2. Recent radiation
3. Hepatic impairment
4. Bone marrow depression
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Paclitaxel
1. Ovarian cancer
2. Breast cancer
3. Lung cancer
4. Skin cancer
5. Cancer of mucous membrane
6. Bladder cancer
7. Cervical cancer
8. Endometrial cancer
9. Cancer on abdomen lining
10. Fallopian cancer
11. Head and neck cancer
12. Stomach cancer
13. Prostate cancer
14. Cancer of testes
15. Cancer of unknown primary site
Interactions for Paclitaxel
Cisplatin: Given after cisplatin leads to profound myelosuppression.
Ketoconazole: Inhibition of paclitaxel metabolism.
Typical Dosage for Paclitaxel
Intravenous-
Adults-
Metastatic ovarian cancer:135 or 175mg/metre square over 3 hours every 3 weeks -
Breast cancer: 175mg/meter square over 3 hrs every 3 weeks
Kaposi`s sarcoma: 135mg/metre square over 3 hours; repeat every 3 weeks OR 100mg/metre square over 3hrs; repeat every 2 weeks.
Schedule of Paclitaxel
N/A
Storage Requirements for Paclitaxel
Stored at 20-25 degree C. Protect from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Paclitaxel
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Paclitaxel
Provide supportive and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Paclitaxel in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including paclitaxel.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for paclitaxel and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for paclitaxel may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take paclitaxel only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for paclitaxel before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for paclitaxel with the pharmacy.

Paclitaxel is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for paclitaxel might be better known than paclitaxel itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have paclitaxel in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for paclitaxel.