Cisplatin
cis-diamminedichloroplatinum
Also known as: Platinol-AQ · cis-Platinum II · cis-DDP · CDDP · cis-diamminedichloroplatinum · cisplatina · cisplatinum · NSC-119875 · Peyrone's salt · platinum diamminodichloride
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For potentially susceptible carcinomas and sarcomas | 30-70 mg/m2 (NOT mg/kg) IV over 20 minutes to several hours every 3-5 weeks | IV | every 3-5 weeks | — | 🌎 NA |
| Intracavitary administration for palliative control of neoplastic pulmonary effusions | 50 mg/m2 (NOT mg/kg) (diluted in normal saline to a total volume of 250 mL/m2) | Intracavitary | every 3-4 weeks as needed | Discontinue after 4th treatment if resolved completely | 🌎 NA |
- For potentially susceptible carcinomas and sarcomas: Warning: Do not confuse cisplatin and carboplatin dosages; cisplatin dosages are much lower. Dogs must undergo saline diuresis before and after cisplatin therapy.
- Intracavitary administration for palliative control of neoplastic pulmonary effusions: Give IV normal saline at 10 mL/kg/hr for 4 hours prior. Warm solution to body temp. Remove pleural fluid first, then slowly infuse.
Horses
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For intralesional injection of skin tumors | 1 mg per cm3 of tumor/tumor bed intralesionally | Intralesional | at 2-week intervals | for 4 total treatments | 🌎 NA |
- For intralesional injection of skin tumors: Add 10 mg powder to 1 mL water and 2 mL medical-grade sesame oil (3.3 mg/mL). Inject in multiple planes no further than 0.6 to 1 cm apart.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Cisplatin is a heavy metal, platinum-based antineoplastic agent used in veterinary oncology primarily for the treatment of various carcinomas and sarcomas in dogs, and for intralesional treatment of skin tumors in horses.
Key Clinical Points:
- Highly Emetogenic: It directly stimulates the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). Pre-treatment with robust antiemetics (e.g., maropitant, ondansetron, butorphanol) is standard practice.
- Nephrotoxic: Requires aggressive intravenous fluid diuresis (usually 0.9% NaCl) before, during, and after administration to prevent renal tubular damage.
- Species Specificity: It is strictly contraindicated in cats due to fatal, dose-related primary pulmonary toxicoses (often remembered by the clinical adage "cisplatin splats cats").
- Handling: As a hazardous chemotherapeutic agent, it requires strict safety protocols (gloves, protective clothing, closed-system transfer devices) during preparation and administration.
Mechanism of action
Cisplatin acts as a bifunctional alkylating agent.
- The platinum compound enters the cell and loses its chloride atoms in the low-chloride intracellular environment.
- It then binds covalently to the N7 reactive center on purine residues (guanine and adenine) on the DNA.
- This binding produces interstrand and intrastrand crosslinks in the DNA → alters DNA structure → inhibits DNA replication and transcription → leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
- It is considered cell cycle nonspecific, though cells are most vulnerable during the G1 and S phases.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Cats (causes fatal pulmonary edema and dyspnea)
- Preexisting significant renal impairment
- Preexisting myelosuppression
- History of hypersensitivity to platinum-containing compounds
- Caution in patients with congestive heart failure (due to required fluid loading)
Adverse effects
- Severe vomiting (acute and delayed)
- Nephrotoxicity (renal tubular damage)
- Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia)
- Ototoxicity (high-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus)
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea (including hemorrhagic)
- Seizures
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Hyperuricemia
- Increased hepatic enzymes
- Anaphylactoid reactions
- Death
Precautions
WARNING: FATAL TO CATS. Do not administer to felines under any circumstances.
- Nephrotoxicity: Mandatory saline diuresis is required before and after IV therapy in dogs.
- Administration Rate: Direct IV infusion over <5 minutes should be avoided as it increases nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
- Handling: Wear gloves and protective clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water if accidental exposure occurs.
- Equipment: Do NOT use aluminum hub needles or aluminum-containing IV sets; aluminum displaces platinum, forming a black precipitate.
- Reproductive Safety: Teratogenic, embryotoxic, and may cause azoospermia. Use extreme caution.
Drug interactions
Potential for increased risk for nephrotoxicity; if possible, delay aminoglycoside administration by at least two weeks after cisplatin.
Potential for increased risk for nephrotoxicity; if possible, delay amphotericin B administration by at least two weeks after cisplatin.
Potential for increased ototoxicity.
Cisplatin may reduce serum levels of phenytoin.
Monitoring
- Urinalysis, BUN, and serum creatinine (baseline and before each dose)
- Hemogram and platelet count (baseline and before each dose)
- Serum electrolytes and acid-base status
- Tumor measurement and radiography (at least monthly to assess efficacy)
- Monitor for signs of vomiting, dehydration, or ototoxicity
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Administered IV, intracavitary, or intralesionally. Highly bound (90%) to serum proteins.
Distribution
Concentrates in the liver, intestines, and kidneys. Platinum will accumulate in the body and may be detected 6 months after a course of therapy has been completed.
Metabolism
Undergoes nonenzymatic conversion to active and inactive metabolites.
Elimination
Primarily excreted by the kidneys. Approximately 80% of a dose can be recovered as free platinum in the urine within 48 hours of dosing in dogs.
Overdose
The minimum lethal dose of cisplatin in dogs is reportedly 2.5 mg/kg (≈80 mg/m2). Because of the potential for serious toxicity (severe nephrotoxicity, myelosuppression, intractable vomiting, and death), dosage calculations must be checked thoroughly. Overdose management involves aggressive IV fluid diuresis, antiemetics, and supportive care for bone marrow suppression.
Available products
Formulations
- Injection solution (1 mg/mL)
- Powder for compounding (for intralesional use)
Human-labeled
- Cisplatin Injection: 1 mg/mL in 50 mL, 100 mL & 200 mL multi-dose vials
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store injection at room temperature and away from light. Do NOT refrigerate as a precipitate may form. Protect from direct bright sunlight during use. Discard if a precipitate forms from cold temperatures or aluminum contact.
Client information
Important Information for Pet Owners:
- What is this drug? Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers in dogs and horses.
- Strictly for Dogs and Horses: This medication is fatal to cats and will never be prescribed for them.
- Hospitalization Required: Because this drug can be hard on the kidneys, your dog will need to stay in the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluids for several hours before and after the treatment to flush the kidneys and protect them.
- Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting are very common. Your veterinarian will give strong anti-nausea medications before treatment, but you should monitor your pet closely at home. Contact your vet if vomiting is severe or persistent.
- Immune System: This drug can lower white blood cell counts, making your pet more susceptible to infections. Keep them away from sick animals and report any lethargy or fever immediately.
- Safety at Home: Because this is a chemotherapy drug, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding the safe handling of your pet's urine and feces for a few days after treatment.
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.