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Platinum chemotherapy

Cisplatin (Specialist drug)

Cisplatin is a platinum-based cytotoxic chemotherapy agent given by specialists, used in the treatment of a range of solid tumours; it is a hospital-only specialist drug rather than a routine rheumatology medicine.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It forms covalent platinum-DNA cross-links that disrupt DNA replication and transcription, triggering cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis of dividing cells.

Prescribing in practice

  • Profoundly nephrotoxic — aggressive intravenous hydration and renal function checks are mandatory before and after each cycle to prevent irreversible kidney injury.
  • Markedly emetogenic and ototoxic, requiring robust antiemetic prophylaxis and audiometric/neurological vigilance.
  • A cytotoxic prepared and administered under specialist supervision; consult the SPC and local chemotherapy protocols.

Monitoring

Monitor renal function, electrolytes including magnesium, full blood count, hearing and peripheral neurological symptoms across treatment cycles.

Counselling the patient

  • Report hearing changes, tinnitus, numbness or reduced urine output.
  • Maintain fluid intake as directed and keep all appointments.
  • Seek urgent advice for fever or signs of infection.

Evidence & guidelines

Cisplatin's anticancer efficacy is well established across decades of oncology trials and clinical use.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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