Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel is a taxane-class chemotherapy medication that works by stabilizing microtubules and interfering with the normal breakdown of microtubules during cell division, thereby halting cell replication and inducing cancer cell death.

Dosage by Body Weight

Paclitaxel is administered intravenously under the supervision of a qualified oncologist. Dosage is highly individualized and calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA) in mg/m², rather than direct body weight. Premedication with corticosteroids, H1 antagonists, and H2 antagonists is required prior to infusion to prevent severe hypersensitivity reactions.

  1. Body Weight
    Below 5 kg
    Dose
    Not routine
    Frequency
    Use only if prescribed
    Tracking Notes
    Pediatric dosing requires specialized calculation based on Body Surface Area (BSA) by a pediatric oncologist.
  2. Body Weight
    5-7 kg
    Dose
    Not routine
    Frequency
    Use only if prescribed
    Tracking Notes
    Requires strict, individual calculations based on BSA and clinical protocol.
  3. Body Weight
    8-10 kg
    Dose
    Not routine
    Frequency
    Use only if prescribed
    Tracking Notes
    Must be calculated by a specialist; not standardly dosed by weight alone.
  4. Body Weight
    11-15 kg
    Dose
    Not routine
    Frequency
    Use only if prescribed
    Tracking Notes
    Oncology-specific dosing protocols apply.
  5. Body Weight
    16-20 kg
    Dose
    Not routine
    Frequency
    Use only if prescribed
    Tracking Notes
    Oncology-specific dosing protocols apply.

Formulation

Intravenous InfusionInjectable Suspension

Purpose

Used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Generic Name

Paclitaxel

Branded Drug Names

Paclitaxel is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:

Scheduled Drug

No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.

Alternatives

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. WHO references and weight bands are simplified for tracking and must not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.