DOCEXAN 80MG INJECTION
DOCETAXIL 80MG INJECTION
What it does
Docetaxel is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer.
Commonly used for: breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:31:08 · updated 2026-09-18 02:23:33
About this medicine
Docetaxel is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer.
What it treats
- breast cancer
- lung cancer
- prostate cancer
- gastric cancer
How it works
Docetaxel works by stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing, which helps to slow down or stop the spread of the cancer.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults with specific types of cancer as determined by their doctor.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: docetaxil
Docetaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent belonging to the taxane family. It is primarily used in the treatment of various malignancies, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. Docetaxel works by inhibiting microtubule depolymerization, thus preventing cell division and leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells.
Indications
- Breast cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Head and neck cancer
Dosage
Children: There is limited information on the use of docetaxel in children. Refer to the BNF for Children for guidance on potential paediatric dosing.
Adults: Dosage varies based on the specific cancer type and treatment protocol. Refer to clinical guidelines or the BNF for specific dosing regimens.
Mechanism of action
Docetaxel binds to the beta-tubulin subunit of microtubules, promoting microtubule polymerization and stabilizing the microtubule structure. This action disrupts the normal mitotic spindle formation, thereby inhibiting mitosis and resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The drug ultimately leads to apoptosis in cancer cells.
Pharmacodynamics
Docetaxel exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. The drug's antitumor activity is attributed to its ability to inhibit the normal dynamics of microtubules, which are essential for cell division. This interference with the mitotic process leads to a reduction in tumor cell proliferation.
Pharmacokinetics
Docetaxel is administered intravenously and has a bioavailability of nearly 100%. It is extensively metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP3A4, and has a half-life of approximately 36 hours. The drug is excreted mainly in the feces, with a small percentage eliminated in the urine. The volume of distribution is high, indicating significant tissue binding.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or any of its excipients
- Severe liver impairment
- Neutrophil count less than 1500 cells/mm³ (before starting treatment)
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Myelosuppression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Alopecia
- Peripheral edema
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Stomatitis
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Fluid retention
Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase docetaxel concentrations
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John's Wort) may decrease docetaxel concentrations
- Concomitant use with other myelosuppressive agents may increase the risk of severe bone marrow suppression
Precautions
- Monitor blood counts regularly during treatment
- Use caution in patients with liver disease or impaired liver function
- Ensure proper hydration to minimize fluid retention
- Administer antihistamines and corticosteroids to mitigate hypersensitivity reactions
Pregnancy
Docetaxel is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Effective contraception is advised during treatment.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether docetaxel is excreted in human milk. Due to potential serious adverse effects in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2-8 degrees Celsius). Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Formulations
- Injection: 20 mg/1 mL, 80 mg/4 mL
- Concentrate for solution for infusion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.