Carboplatin
cis-Diammine-1,1cyclobutanedicarboxylato-platinum
Also known as: Paraplatin · carboplatinum · CBDCA · JM-8 · NSC241240
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
This dose is based on body surface area (mg/m²). Convert body weight to body surface area before dosing.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antineoplastic | 300-350 mg/m2 | IV | every 3 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
| Neoplastic diseases (All uses) | 300 mg/m2 | IV | q3-4wk | As determined by oncology protocol | 🌍 EU |
| Neoplastic diseases (Intrapleural/intraperitoneal) | 225-300 mg/m2 | Intrapleural/Intraperitoneal | As directed by specialist | As determined by oncology protocol | 🌍 EU |
- Antineoplastic: Dosage may need adjustment in patients with reduced renal function.
- Neoplastic diseases (All uses): Injected into the side port of a freely running i.v. infusion of 0.9% NaCl over a 10-15 min period.
- Neoplastic diseases (Intrapleural/intraperitoneal): Diluted in 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose water over a 5-10 min period. Consult a veterinary oncology specialist before administering via this route.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antineoplastic | 180-260 mg/m2 | IV | every 3 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
| Neoplastic diseases (All uses) | 200 mg/m2 | IV | q3-4wk | As determined by oncology protocol | 🌍 EU |
| Neoplastic diseases (Intrapleural/intraperitoneal) | 200-240 mg/m2 | Intrapleural/Intraperitoneal | As directed by specialist | As determined by oncology protocol | 🌍 EU |
- Antineoplastic: Has also been administered intratumorally for nasal planum carcinomas.
- Neoplastic diseases (All uses): Injected into the side port of a freely running i.v. infusion of 0.9% NaCl over a 10-15 min period. Monitor for delayed/unpredictable side effects.
- Neoplastic diseases (Intrapleural/intraperitoneal): Diluted in 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose water over a 5-10 min period. Consult a veterinary oncology specialist before administering via this route.
Small Mammals
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antineoplastic | 180-260 mg/m2 | IV | every 3 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
- Antineoplastic: Dose for rabbits.
Birds
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adenocarcinoma | Intralesional use may be considered | Intralesional | — | — | 🌎 NA |
Horses
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equine sarcoids | Intralesional use may be considered | Intralesional | — | — | 🌎 NA |
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Carboplatin is a second-generation platinum-based antineoplastic agent widely used in veterinary oncology. It is primarily utilized for the treatment of various carcinomas and sarcomas, most notably as an adjunctive therapy for canine osteosarcoma following amputation.
Clinical Pearls & Advantages:
- Feline Safety: Unlike its predecessor cisplatin (which causes fatal pulmonary edema in cats—often remembered by the mnemonic "cisplatin splats cats"), carboplatin is relatively safe and routinely used in feline patients.
- Reduced Toxicity: Carboplatin is generally considered the "kinder, gentler" platinum agent. It exhibits significantly less nephrotoxicity and emetogenic (vomiting) potential compared to cisplatin, eliminating the need for aggressive pre- and post-treatment IV fluid diuresis.
- Versatility: Beyond systemic IV administration, it has shown promise in intracavitary (pleural effusion), intra-arterial, and intralesional (equine sarcoids, feline nasal planum carcinomas) applications.
Mechanism of action
Carboplatin acts as a bifunctional alkylating agent.
- Cellular Entry & Activation: Once inside the cell, the drug undergoes aquation (water molecules replace the cyclobutanedicarboxylate leaving group), forming highly reactive, positively charged platinum complexes.
- DNA Crosslinking: These active complexes bind covalently to nucleophilic sites on DNA (primarily the N7 position of guanine and adenine).
- Inhibition: This binding creates intra-strand and inter-strand crosslinks in the DNA double helix, physically obstructing DNA polymerases and RNA polymerases.
- Apoptosis: The resulting DNA damage inhibits DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein synthesis, ultimately triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Note: Carboplatin is cell-cycle nonspecific, meaning it can damage cells during any phase of the cell cycle, though cells are most vulnerable during the G1 and S phases.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to carboplatin or other platinum agents
- Severe bone marrow depression
- Pregnancy (fetotoxic and embryotoxic - Category D)
Adverse effects
- Bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Anorexia
- Vomiting (typically 2-4 days post-dose)
- Hepatotoxicity (elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes)
- Nephrotoxicity (less frequent than cisplatin)
- Neuropathies (rare)
- Ototoxicity (rare)
- Anaphylactoid reactions (rare)
- Hyperuricemia
Precautions
DO NOT give IM or SC. Extreme caution is advised in patients with active infections, hearing impairment, or preexisting renal or hepatic disease. Patients with severe carboplatin-induced myelosuppression must recover their cell counts before additional therapy. Equipment Warning: Do not prepare, store, or administer using aluminum-containing needles or IV sets, as aluminum displaces platinum, causing a black precipitate and loss of potency.
Drug interactions
Potential for increased risk of nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity.
Patients previously treated with cisplatin have an increased risk of developing neurotoxicity or ototoxicity after receiving carboplatin.
The leukopenic or thrombocytopenic effects secondary to carboplatin may be enhanced.
Potential for increased hematologic toxicity.
Live or killed virus vaccines administered after therapy may have reduced efficacy. Carboplatin may also potentiate live virus vaccine replication and increase adverse effects.
Increased risk of cumulative nephrotoxicity.
May adversely affect the safety and efficacy of vaccinations due to immunosuppression.
Potential to act as a radiosensitizer for patients receiving concomitant radiotherapy.
Monitoring
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) to monitor nadir
- Serum electrolytes
- Uric acid
- Baseline renal and hepatic function tests
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Administered intravenously; 100% bioavailable.
Distribution
Well distributed throughout the body; highest concentrations are found in the liver, kidney, skin, and tumor tissue.
Metabolism
The parent drug degrades into platinum and platinum-complexed compounds.
Elimination
Primarily eliminated by the kidneys. In dogs, almost one half of the dose is excreted in the urine within 24 hours and approximately 70% of the platinum administered is secreted in the urine after 72 hours.
Overdose
An overdose of carboplatin is expected to cause severe, aggravated effects associated with the drug's primary toxicities: bone marrow suppression, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity.
- Monitoring: Closely monitor for neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity.
- Treatment: Therapy is primarily supportive as no specific antidote is available. Plasmapheresis or hemodialysis could potentially be of benefit in rapidly removing the drug from systemic circulation.
Available products
Formulations
- Lyophilized powder for injection
- Injection solution
Human-labeled
- Carboplatin lyophilized Powder for reconstitution and IV Injection: 50 mg, 150 mg, & 450 mg in single-dose vials
- Carboplatin Injection: 10 mg/mL in 5 mL, 15 mL & 45 mL single-use vials
Regulatory status
Cytotoxic agent. Must be handled and administered according to strict hazardous drug protocols.
Prescription Only Medicine. Cytotoxic handling rules apply.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store powder for injection at room temperature and protect from light. After reconstitution to 10 mg/mL, solutions are stable for at least 8 hours (manufacturer recommends discarding unused portions after 8 hours due to lack of preservatives). Do not prepare, store, or administer using aluminum-containing items, as contact with aluminum forms a black precipitate and inactivates the drug.
Client information
Carboplatin is a potent chemotherapy drug used to treat your pet's cancer. While it is generally well-tolerated, there are important safety and care guidelines you must follow at home:
- Handling Waste: Because the drug and its active byproducts are excreted in the urine for several days after treatment, avoid direct contact with your pet's urine, feces, and vomit. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning up accidents, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- The "Nadir" Period: Carboplatin temporarily lowers your pet's white blood cell count, making them more susceptible to infection. This low point (the nadir) typically occurs around 14 days after treatment in dogs and 21 days in cats.
- When to Call the Vet: Monitor your pet closely during the nadir period. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops a fever, severe lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Appetite & Nausea: Mild nausea or loss of appetite may occur 2 to 4 days after the infusion. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-nausea medications to keep your pet comfortable.
- Pregnancy Warning: Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid handling the pet's waste entirely.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.