Platinum-based alkylating agent (specialist)

Carboplatin

Brand names: Paraplatin

Adult dose

Dose: AUC-based dosing (Calvert formula) — typically AUC 5–7 IV q21d

Route: IV

Frequency: q21d

Clinical pearls

Calvert formula: dose (mg) = AUC × (GFR + 25); use measured GFR not estimated
ESMO / NICE TAs across ovarian, lung, head & neck cancer
Less ototoxic / nephrotoxic than cisplatin

Contraindications

Severe myelosuppression
Severe renal impairment (use AUC-adjusted dose)
Hypersensitivity to platinum
Pregnancy

Side effects

Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia dose-limiting)
Nausea/vomiting (less than cisplatin)
Hypersensitivity (cumulative cycle 6+)
Nephrotoxicity (less than cisplatin)
Ototoxicity
Peripheral neuropathy

Interactions

Aminoglycosides
Live vaccines
Phenytoin

Monitoring

FBC
Renal function (GFR — measured if possible)
Audiometry
Hypersensitivity
Neuropathy

Reference: BNF; multiple NICE TAs; ESMO; SmPC; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/carboplatin-specialist-drug/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways