Cisplatin

What is this medication for?

• Squamous cell, transitional cell, ovarian, mediastinal, pleural, nasal, thyroid carcinomas; osteosarcoma; intracavitary for neoplastic pulmonary effusions
• NEVER — fatal pulmonary edema (see warnings)

How is it given?

This medication is normally given by your veterinary team (in clinic or hospital).

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• None commonly reported; call your clinic with any concern.

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Nephrotoxicity (The dose-limiting toxicity — prevented by forced saline diuresis)
• Severe vomiting (Pre-treat with antiemetic (maropitant/ondansetron class))
• Myelosuppression, ototoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, hypomagnesemia/hypokalemia (Additional risks)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Fatal pulmonary edema (Cats — the absolute species contraindication)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: CATS; significant renal impairment; bone marrow suppression (blood-cell production slowing); pregnancy
• has or has had: Drug-related deaths possible — specialist administration only

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Aminoglycosides (and other kidney damage)
  • In-line: bleomycin/cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/furosemide
  • Loop diuretics (systemic)

Storage and handling

Never mix with bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, furosemide (in-line) — chemical incompatibilities. Full chemo PPE.

Good to know

• The single most-tested species rule in veterinary chemotherapy pharmacy: CISPLATIN KILLS CATS (fatal pulmonary edema) — carboplatin is the feline platinum.
• Dose-word confusion is lethal both ways: cisplatin 30–70 mg/m² vs carboplatin 300–350 mg/m² — a 10-fold difference; read the drug name twice.
• Saline diuresis protocol is part of the prescription, not an option (10 mL/kg/h × 4 h before, continue after).
• Vomiting is so reliable that antiemetic pre-treatment is assumed — modern practice adds maropitant/ondansetron to the bag order.