XILAZ 100 mg/20 ml
Oxaliplatin
What it does
Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer.
Commonly used for: colorectal cancer, cancer of the large intestine
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:27:32 · updated 2026-09-23 04:12:19
About this medicine
Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer.
What it treats
- colorectal cancer
- cancer of the large intestine
How it works
It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Who it's for
It is prescribed for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Cautions
- • Be careful if you are taking medicines that can harm your kidneys.
- • Avoid drugs that can affect your bone marrow.
- • Use caution with medications that can affect your hearing.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Oxaliplatin
BNF-referencedOxaliplatin is a platinum-based antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of various malignancies, particularly metastatic colorectal cancer. It is often administered in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents such as fluorouracil and folinic acid. The drug is known for its ability to interfere with DNA synthesis, leading to cell death and the inhibition of tumor growth.
Indications
- Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with fluorouracil and folinic acid
- Adjuvant treatment of colon cancer after resection of the primary tumor
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing in the paediatric population, as specific doses for children are not provided in the BNF for Adults.
Adults: Consult product literature for specific dosing guidelines. The typical adult dose is often around 85 mg/m² administered intravenously every two weeks, but this may vary based on the specific regimen and patient condition.
Mechanism of action
Oxaliplatin exerts its cytotoxic effects by forming DNA cross-links, which inhibit DNA replication and transcription. The drug is converted within the body to reactive platinum species that bind to DNA, leading to the formation of interstrand cross-links and ultimately triggering apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. This mechanism is particularly effective in targeting cancerous tissues that are highly proliferative.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of oxaliplatin involve its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through DNA damage. This damage activates several cellular pathways, including the p53 pathway, which is critical for cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. Additionally, oxaliplatin's unique structure allows it to bypass some resistance mechanisms that cancer cells develop against other platinum compounds, making it a valuable option in chemotherapy regimens.
Pharmacokinetics
Oxaliplatin is administered intravenously and has a distribution volume of approximately 16 L/m². Its plasma protein binding is around 95%. The drug undergoes rapid biotransformation in the liver, resulting in several metabolites, with the active form being the platinum-DNA adducts. The elimination half-life is approximately 1-2 hours, and it is primarily excreted via the urine as metabolites and unchanged drug. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.
Contra-indications
- Peripheral neuropathy with functional impairment
Adverse effects
- Alopecia
- Anaemia
- Appetite decrease
- Arthralgia
- Asthenia
- Chills
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Cough
- Decreased leukocytes
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Dyspnoea
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Embolism
- Thrombosis
- Fever
- Flushing
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Haemorrhage
- Headache
- Hiccups
- Hyperglycaemia
- Hyperhidrosis
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypertension
- Increased risk of infection
- Insomnia
- Meningism
- Mucositis
- Nail disorders
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Skin reactions
- Stomatitis
- Taste alteration
- Thrombocytopenia
- Urinary disorders
- Vision disorders
- Vomiting
- Weight changes
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises to avoid due to toxicity in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Discontinue breastfeeding.
Storage
Store below 25 degrees Celsius. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Oxaliplatin 50mg/10ml concentrate for solution for infusion vials
- Oxaliplatin 100mg/100ml solution for infusion vials
- Oxaliplatin 200mg/40ml concentrate for solution for infusion vials
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Oxaliplatin
PubChem CID 9887053Molecular formula: C8H14N2O4Pt
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- CELDACH 100MG LYOPHILIZED INJECTION · Europa Healthcare
- CELDACH 50 · Europa Healthcare
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- OXALIKEN 100 · Krishna Chemists
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- ADPLATIN 100 · Beta Drugs
- MEHECO · Cisen Pharmaceutical Co.
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