Paclitex
Generic Name
Paclitaxel
Manufacturer
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| paclitex 6 mg injection | ৳ 1,400.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Paclitex (Paclitaxel) is an anti-cancer ('antineoplastic' or 'cytotoxic') chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage varies greatly depending on the type of cancer, treatment regimen (single agent or combination), and patient's condition. Typically ranges from 135-175 mg/m² given over 3 or 24 hours, repeated every 3 weeks. Consult specific protocols.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustments needed for elderly patients unless hepatic/renal impairment or severe myelosuppression.
Renal_impairment
Limited data, caution advised. Dose reduction may be necessary in severe renal impairment.
Hepatic_impairment
Dose reduction is recommended in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
How to Take
Paclitaxel is administered intravenously (IV) via a controlled infusion over 3 or 24 hours, often through a central venous catheter. It must be diluted before use and administered through an in-line filter.
Mechanism of Action
Paclitaxel binds to tubulin, promoting microtubule assembly and inhibiting their depolymerization. This stabilizes microtubules, arresting cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and leading to apoptosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects are observed over weeks/months depending on the cancer type and treatment regimen.
Excretion
Mainly biliary/fecal (approximately 70% of the dose is excreted as metabolites or unchanged drug in feces); minor renal excretion (less than 10%).
Half life
Biphasic elimination with a terminal half-life of 6.4 to 10.6 hours.
Absorption
Administered intravenously, hence 100% bioavailability. Absorption is not relevant as it's not oral.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, mainly by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2C8 (to 6α-hydroxypaclitaxel) and CYP3A4 (to 3'p-hydroxypaclitaxel).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) or other excipients.
- •Patients with a baseline neutrophil count less than 1.5 x 10^9/L (for solid tumors) or less than 1.0 x 10^9/L (for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma).
- •Pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Cisplatin
When paclitaxel is given before cisplatin, myelosuppression is more severe than when paclitaxel is given after cisplatin. Cisplatin should be given after paclitaxel.
Doxorubicin
Increased plasma levels of doxorubicin and its active metabolite, doxorubicinol, when given with paclitaxel. Administer doxorubicin after paclitaxel.
CYP3A4/CYP2C8 inducers
Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital may decrease paclitaxel exposure, potentially reducing efficacy. Use with caution.
CYP3A4/CYP2C8 inhibitors
Ketoconazole, erythromycin, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, cimetidine, and others may increase paclitaxel exposure, potentially increasing toxicity. Use with caution.
Storage
Store unopened vials at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store diluted solution at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Overdose
The primary anticipated complications of overdose would consist of bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. There is no known antidote. Management should be supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Paclitaxel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is contraindicated during pregnancy. It is not known whether paclitaxel is excreted in human milk, but due to potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years for unopened vials when stored as recommended. Diluted solutions have shorter stability.
Availability
Available in hospitals and specialized pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available, original patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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