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Taxane chemotherapy

Paclitaxel (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Taxol, Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel)

Paclitaxel is a specialist intravenous taxane cytotoxic agent used in the treatment of ovarian, breast, lung and other solid tumours.

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 binds to tubulin and stabilises microtubules, preventing their depolymerisation and thereby arresting mitosis and inducing cell death.

Prescribing in practice

  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur, so premedication with a corticosteroid and antihistamines is required and infusion must take place where resuscitation facilities are available.
  • Dose-limiting myelosuppression, especially neutropenia, and peripheral neuropathy are common.
  • It is metabolised by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, so caution is needed with interacting drugs, and the solvent-based formulation contains an excipient that contributes to hypersensitivity risk.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count before each course and assess for neuropathy and infusion reactions during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • You will be given premedication to reduce the risk of a reaction; report any flushing, breathlessness or rash during the infusion.
  • Report fever or signs of infection urgently and any numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

Evidence & guidelines

Use across solid tumours is supported by NICE guidance and landmark taxane trials.

Reference: SmPC; 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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