Carboplat 150mg, Carboplatin Injection
Carboplat 150mg is a chemotherapy medicine that contains Carboplatin, a platinum-based antineoplastic drug widely used in the treatment of various cancers. It is a member of the class of alkylating agents, more especially platinum compounds, and it functions by preventing the body’s cancer cells from proliferating and spreading. Carboplatin has become a standard treatment option due to its efficacy and relatively favorable toxicity profile compared to older drugs like cisplatin.
It is usually prescribed in the management of ovarian cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancers, and other solid tumors. Carboplat 150mg is administered intravenously in hospitals or specialized oncology clinics under the supervision of experienced oncologists.
What is Carboplat 150mg?
Carboplat 150mg is an injectable chemotherapy formulation containing Carboplatin as the active ingredient. It is supplied in vials for intravenous infusion. The drug belongs to the platinum coordination complex group, which binds to DNA in cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying.
Unlike cisplatin, carboplatin causes fewer side effects like kidney toxicity and nausea, making it a preferred choice in many cases.
How it Works / Mechanism of Action
- Carboplatin exerts its anticancer effects by forming platinum-DNA adducts.
- Carboplatin hydrolyzes as it enters the body, releasing reactive platinum species.
- These reactive molecules bind to the DNA inside cancer cells.
- Cross-linking occurs between DNA strands, preventing the DNA from unwinding and replicating.
- Without DNA replication, cancer cells cannot divide and eventually undergo apoptosis (cell death).
- Thus, Carboplatin targets rapidly dividing cancer cells while also affecting some normal fast-dividing cells, leading to side effects.
How to Use / Indications
Carboplat 150mg is primarily used for the treatment of different types of cancers, either alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
Indications include:
- Ovarian cancer (advanced or relapsed cases)
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
- Head and neck cancers
- Endometrial cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Testicular cancer (in combination regimens)
- Off-label uses in certain solid tumors as determined by oncologists.
How to Take / Dosage
Carboplat 150mg is not taken orally; it is given by intravenous infusion. The dose depends on the patient’s:
- Body surface area (BSA)
- Kidney function (measured by creatinine clearance)
- Type of cancer
- Previous treatments
General Dosage Guidelines:
The Calvert Formula is commonly used:
Dose (mg) = Target AUC × (GFR + 25)
AUC = Area under curve (a measure of drug exposure)
GFR = Glomerular filtration rate (kidney function)
Typical target AUC ranges:
AUC 5–7 for previously untreated patients
AUC 4–6 for previously treated patients
The infusion usually lasts 15–60 minutes and is repeated every 3–4 weeks depending on the treatment cycle.
Other Dosages
- Carboplatin is available in multiple vial strengths such as 150mg, 450mg, and 600mg, allowing oncologists to tailor the dose precisely.
- 150mg vials are suitable for lower doses or dose adjustments.
- Higher strength vials (e.g., 450mg or 600mg) are used for patients requiring larger doses based on body surface area or kidney function.
Side Effects
Like all chemotherapy drugs, Carboplat 150mg can cause side effects.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelets → easy bruising/bleeding)
- Leukopenia (low white blood cells → infection risk)
- Taste changes
- Loss of appetite
Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions (rash, difficulty breathing)
- Kidney problems (though less than cisplatin)
- Hearing changes (ototoxicity, ringing in ears)
- Nerve damage (tingling or numbness)
- Severe infections due to low immunity
- Regular blood tests are necessary for patients receiving carboplatin treatment in order to track blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney function.
Storage
- Store vials at 25°C or below (room temperature).
- Protect from light.
- Do not freeze.
- Once diluted, the solution should be used within the recommended timeframe (usually within 24 hours if stored properly).
- Keep out of reach of children.
Benefits
Carboplat 150mg offers several benefits in cancer management:
- Effective against a wide range of solid tumors.
- Lower kidney toxicity compared to cisplatin.
- Less severe nausea and vomiting.
- Convenient dosing with predictable pharmacokinetics.
- Useful in patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin.
- Can be combined with other chemotherapy agents (like paclitaxel, etoposide) for synergistic effects.
Prescription
Carboplat 150mg is a prescription-only medicine. It should only be used under close medical supervision in an oncology clinic or hospital. The kind, stage, and general health of the patient all influence the treatment regimen.
Self-administration is not possible or safe.
Interaction
Carboplatin may interact with other drugs, leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness.
Drug Interactions:
- Other nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, vancomycin) → increased kidney toxicity
- Other myelosuppressive drugs → increased bone marrow suppression
- Live vaccines → higher infection risk due to suppressed immunity
- Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine) → reduced blood levels of these drugs
Food/Alcohol Interactions:
- No specific food restrictions, but alcohol should be avoid as it can worsen fatigue and liver stress.
FAQs
What is Carboplat 150mg use for?
It is use to treat ovarian cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancers, and other solid tumors.
How long does Carboplatin stay in the body?
The drug’s half-life is around 2–6 hours, but its effects on bone marrow and DNA can last weeks.
Can Carboplatin cause hair loss?
It can, but usually less than other chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin.
Conclusion
Carboplat 150mg (Carboplatin Injection) is a powerful chemotherapy drug widely use in the treatment of ovarian, lung, and other cancers. It works by attaching to DNA and preventing the growth of cancerous cells. With advantages over older platinum drugs like cisplatin, Carboplatin remains a cornerstone of modern oncology.
While it offers significant benefits in prolonging survival and controlling cancer, it also carries risks such as bone marrow suppression and infections.