Cisplatin
Pronunciation: (SIS-pla-tin).
- Generic name
- cisplatin
- Brand names
- Platinol, Cisplatin, Platinol-AQ, Cisplat, Cisplatin Accord, Cisplatin Ebewe
- Drug class
- Antineoplastic (Platinum-based Chemotherapy Agent)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What cisplatin is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how cisplatin works
Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that forms highly reactive platinum complexes. These complexes bind to DNA, causing cross-linking and DNA strand breaks, which inhibit DNA replication and transcription. This leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells. (1)
What cisplatin is used for
Cancer
Cancer (2)
Malignancies
Malignancies (2)
Before taking cisplatin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cisplatin or other platinum compounds, severe renal impairment, or significant hearing loss. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take cisplatin
- General Instructions: Cisplatin is administered by intravenous infusion, usually in a hospital or clinic. The dose and schedule depend on the type of cancer, your body size, and your overall health.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 50 to 100 mg/m² per cycle, given every 3 to 4 weeks, or as part of combination regimens. Dosing may be adjusted based on kidney function and blood counts.. Pediatric Dosing: Pediatric dosing is individualized based on body surface area and specific cancer type. Close monitoring is required.. Administration: Cisplatin is given as an IV infusion over several hours. Adequate hydration before and after administration is essential to reduce kidney toxicity.. When To Stop: Treatment may be stopped if you develop severe side effects, significant kidney or hearing problems, or if your doctor determines it is no longer effective.. Storage: Cisplatin should be stored by healthcare professionals according to manufacturer instructions, typically at controlled room temperature and protected from light.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not attempt to self-administer or make up the dose on your own.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe kidney damage, hearing loss, or nerve problems. Seek emergency medical attention if overdose is suspected. Supportive care and monitoring are essential; there is no specific antidote. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea and vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney damage (nephrotoxicity)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hearing loss (ototoxicity)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Peripheral neuropathy
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Electrolyte disturbances
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Anaphylactic-like reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
US FDA BOXED WARNING — serious
Symptoms: US FDA BOXED WARNING: cisplatin causes severe, cumulative nephrotoxicity (including acute renal failure), dose-related peripheral neuropathy, severe nausea and vomiting (antiemetic premedication is required), and severe myelosuppression that can lead to fatal infection. Your cancer care team monitors closely for these effects throughout treatment.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Cisplatin is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to cisplatin or other platinum-containing compounds, AND — per the current FDA label — in patients with pre-existing renal impairment — serious
Symptoms: Cisplatin is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to cisplatin or other platinum-containing compounds, AND — per the current FDA label — in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Baseline and pre-course kidney function, hearing, blood counts, hydration status, and infection status must be assessed by your cancer care team, since these all affect whether and how cisplatin can be safely given.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Ototoxicity is cumulative and may be severe, with tinnitus, high-frequency hearing loss, and/or reduced ability to hear normal conversational tones — serious
Symptoms: Ototoxicity is cumulative and may be severe, with tinnitus, high-frequency hearing loss, and/or reduced ability to hear normal conversational tones; hearing loss is especially common in children (estimated 40-60%). May suppress bone marrow, increasing infection and bleeding risk.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Cisplatin can cause fetal harm and is not recommended in pregnancy — serious
Symptoms: Cisplatin can cause fetal harm and is not recommended in pregnancy; females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 months after the final dose, and male patients with partners of reproductive potential should use contraception during treatment and for 11 months after the final dose.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Cisplatin may interact with other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B), ototoxic drugs, and certain anticonvulsants. It may also affect the efficacy of live vaccines. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Cisplatin can cause fetal harm and is not recommended during pregnancy. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 months after the final dose; male patients with partners of reproductive potential should use contraception during treatment and for 11 months after the final dose. (2)
Breastfeeding
Lactating women are advised not to breastfeed during cisplatin treatment because of the potential for serious adverse reactions and tumorigenicity risk in a breastfed child. (2)
Children
Pediatric dosing is individualized based on body surface area and specific cancer type, under close specialist monitoring; hearing loss is especially common in children (estimated 40-60%). (2)
Renal_impairment
Cisplatin causes cumulative, dose-related nephrotoxicity; dosing is adjusted based on kidney function and blood counts, and pre-existing significant renal impairment requires careful clinical judgment. No established hepatic-impairment-specific dosing guidance. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Cisplatin causes cumulative, dose-related nephrotoxicity; dosing is adjusted based on kidney function and blood counts, and pre-existing significant renal impairment requires careful clinical judgment. No established hepatic-impairment-specific dosing guidance. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F); brief excursions to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F) are permitted. Store in the original carton, protected from light, before reconstitution; the reconstituted solution is stable for 20 hours at room temperature. Handled and stored by healthcare professionals per manufacturer instructions.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Cancer
Dose summary: Cisplatin is typically administered at a dose of 50-100 mg/m² IV on day 1 of a treatment cycle.
Renal context: Per the current FDA label, cisplatin is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Serum creatinine, BUN, creatinine clearance, and electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium) are measured before starting and before every subsequent course; the oncology team considers alternative treatment or reduces the cisplatin dose for patients with baseline renal impairment or a significant drop in creatinine clearance during treatment. Renal toxicity is dose-related and cumulative, and elderly patients (more often having reduced kidney function) require particularly careful dose selection and monitoring. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What types of cancer is cisplatin used to treat?
Cisplatin is used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, head and neck, lung, and cervical cancers, among others.
How is cisplatin given?
Cisplatin is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic, usually over several hours.
What are the most serious side effects of cisplatin?
Serious side effects include kidney damage, hearing loss, severe nausea/vomiting, nerve damage, and bone marrow suppression.
Can cisplatin cause hearing loss?
Yes, cisplatin can cause permanent hearing loss, especially in children and at higher doses. Hearing should be monitored during treatment.
Is cisplatin safe during pregnancy?
Cisplatin is not recommended during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for 14 months after the final dose (females of reproductive potential) or 11 months after the final dose (male patients with partners of reproductive potential).
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you miss a scheduled dose. Do not try to make up the dose yourself.
Are there any foods or medicines I should avoid while on cisplatin?
Avoid nephrotoxic and ototoxic drugs unless approved by your doctor, and avoid live vaccines. Stay hydrated and follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
What happens if I take too much Cisplatin?
Taking too much Cisplatin can lead to severe toxicity, including kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, and neurological issues. Symptoms may include extreme nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, and severe fatigue. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to manage an overdose at home.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Cisplatin?
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol consumption while undergoing Cisplatin treatment. Alcohol can exacerbate common side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and liver toxicity. Furthermore, alcohol may interfere with the body's ability to recover from the drug's effects and could potentially worsen overall treatment outcomes. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is the mechanism of action of cisplatin?
Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that forms highly reactive platinum complexes. These complexes bind to DNA, causing cross-linking and DNA strand breaks, which inhibit DNA replication and transcription. This leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells. (1)
What is the generic name of Cisplatin?
The generic name is cisplatin. It is sold under brand names including Platinol, Cisplatin, Platinol-AQ, Cisplat, Cisplatin Accord, Cisplatin Ebewe.
What class of drug is cisplatin?
Cisplatin is classed as: Antineoplastic (Platinum-based Chemotherapy Agent).
References
- Cisplatin — MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · null · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Cisplatin Injection — FDA-approved prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed · United States · dated 2026-08-06 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Cisplatin Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Cisplatin — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA207323)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- cisplatin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 2555)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient cisplatin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- Platin10 mg/20 ml, 50 mg/50 ml · Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Cytoplatin Aqueous50 mg/50 ml · Cipla Limited
- Platikem20 ml vial · Alkem Laboratories Ltd