Carboplatin

Carboplatin: description, indications, contraindications and side effects

Carboplatin is a platinum-derived alkylating agent used to treat various types of cancer. In this article we will look at the main characteristics of this drug, its indications for use, contraindications, side effects and other features.

Description

Carboplatin is manufactured by several companies in Australia, including Pharmacia and Upjohn, Delta West and Peter Petit Limited. This drug is available as an injection solution with a concentration of 10 mg/ml. Its active ingredient is carboplatin.

Indications for use

Carboplatin is used to treat several types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, cervical and uterine cancer, breast cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma.

Contraindications

Carboplatin is not recommended for patients who have the following contraindications:

1. Hypersensitivity to drugs containing platinum
2. Severe renal impairment
3. Myelosuppression
4. Pregnancy and lactation
5. Clinical signs of bleeding

Side effects

Carboplatin may cause various side effects, including:

1. Myelosuppression: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and bleeding
2. Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and taste changes
3. Decreased hearing acuity and paresthesia
4. Liver dysfunction
5. Alopecia
6. Increased creatinine and urea levels
7. Hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia and hypocalcemia
8. Fever, chills and allergic reactions.

Interaction

Carboplatin is pharmaceutically incompatible with aluminum salts. It may also enhance the nephrotoxicity of propranolol, aminoglycosides and diazoxide.

Overdose

There is no information about carboplatin overdose.

special instructions

When using carboplatin, it is necessary to conduct weekly monitoring of the cellular composition of the blood and laboratory parameters characterizing the function of the liver and kidneys.

Conclusion

Carboplatin is an effective drug for treating several types of cancer, but its use can be associated with various side effects. Before using this drug, be sure to familiarize yourself with its indications and contraindications, and also consult with your doctor. It is also important to pay attention to possible side effects and promptly report their occurrence to your doctor. Carboplatin requires careful monitoring by medical personnel and can only be prescribed after assessing the benefits and risks for each individual patient.