Carboplatin
Generic Details
Generic Name
Carboplatin
Other Names
- Paraplatin
Drug Class
- Platinum-based chemotherapy agent
Chemical Formula
C6H12N2O4Pt
Molecular Weight
371.25 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits DNA synthesis by forming DNA cross-links
Indications
- Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Bladder cancer
Common Dosage Forms
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- Area under curve dosing based on the Calvert formula
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustment may be necessary in elderly patients
Side Effects
- Myelosuppression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nephrotoxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to platinum compounds
- Severe bone marrow suppression
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- Lactation is not recommended during treatment with carboplatin
Drug Interactions
- Ototoxic drugs may potentiate carboplatin-induced hearing loss
- Live vaccines may have reduced efficacy
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe myelosuppression
- Neurotoxicity
Antidote for Overdose
- There is no specific antidote, manage symptoms supportively
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapid and complete after intravenous administration
- Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues, protein binding is approximately 90%
- Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism to inactive compounds
- Excretion: Primarily renal excretion
Precautions
- Monitor renal function regularly
- Regular blood cell counts required during therapy
Warnings
- Increased risk of myelosuppression, administer under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider
Others
- Carboplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents for enhanced efficacy.