Taxane (microtubule inhibitor, specialist)

Docetaxel

Brand names: Taxotere

Adult dose

Dose: 75mg/m² IV q21d (per protocol); pre-medication with corticosteroid mandatory

Route: IV

Frequency: q21d

Clinical pearls

NICE TAs across breast (TA107, TA265), prostate (TA101, TA259), NSCLC, gastric, head & neck
ESMO disease-specific guidelines
Dexamethasone 8mg BD for 3 days starting day before infusion (hypersensitivity / fluid retention prophylaxis)

Contraindications

Neutrophil count <1.5
Severe hepatic impairment
Hypersensitivity to polysorbate 80
Pregnancy/breastfeeding

Side effects

Myelosuppression (neutropenia, febrile neutropenia)
Hypersensitivity reactions (premedicate with dexamethasone)
Peripheral neuropathy
Alopecia
Fluid retention
Nail toxicity
Mucositis
Hepatotoxicity
Tear duct stenosis (chronic dosing)

Interactions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers

Monitoring

FBC
LFTs
Neuropathy
Fluid retention
Nail / skin
Eye care

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

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways