Cisplatin

Products

Cisplatin is available as an infusion concentrate. Several generic products are available in many countries. Platinol is out of commerce.

Structure and properties

Cisplatin (PtCl₂(NH₃)₂, M_r = 300.1 g/mol) or -diammine dichloroplatinum(II) exists as a yellow powder or as orange-yellow crystals and is sparingly soluble in water. It is an inorganic heavy metal complex compound with a platinum cation in the center.

Effects

Cisplatin (ATC L01XA01) has cytostatic and antitumor properties. The effects are based on binding to DNA, leading to cross-links of DNA strands and eventual cell death.

Indications

For the treatment of cancer.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion. Before, during and after treatment, water intake and urinary output must be sufficiently high.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity
Impaired kidney function
Exsiccosis
Severe disorders of the auditory system
Severe liver dysfunction
Pregnancy and lactation

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Drug interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been described with the following agents:

Myelotoxic substances
Agents which are eliminated via the kidney.
Nephrotoxic and ototoxic drugs.
Chelating substances
Anticonvulsants
Pyridoxine
Bleomycin, vinblastine
Live vaccines

Adverse effects

The side effects are due to the fact that healthy cells are also affected by the effects. The most common possible adverse effects include:

Nausea, vomiting
Blood count abnormalities: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia (bone marrow toxicity).
Tinnitus, hearing loss
Visual disturbances (blurred vision, disturbances in color perception).
Hyperuricemia, nephrotoxicity.