Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug and was found in 1971. Currently, Paclitaxel is mainly isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. Due to the increasing demand on the market and because yews grow very slowly, scientists are looking for alternative ways to produce Paclitaxel.
Paclitaxel is classified as a “plant alkaloid”. It is also known as an “antimicrotubule agent”.
Microtubules are special structures in the cells and responsible for dividing and replication. Paclitaxel inhibits microtubules and causes cell death.
It is used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Paclitaxel can be given by injection into a vein.
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<a href='https://dr-adem.com/increase-efficacy-of-paclitaxel/'><img src='https://dr-adem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/paclitaxel-how-to-improve-the-efficacy.jpg' alt='Increase Efficacy Of Paclitaxel'/></a>Common side effects are:
- Low blood counts.
- Hair loss
- Pain in the joints and muscles
- Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
Drug interactions are very common. They influence the efficacy and toxicity of Paclitaxel. Therefore, you have to inform your doctor whenever you are taking any drug or supplement beside Paclitaxel.
Drug interactions are known for:
- Immune suppressive medication (e.g. azathioprine)
- Antibiotics (e.g trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin)
- Benzodiazepines (such as midazolam, triazolam)
- Medication against erectile dysfunction (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil)
- Statins (e.g. lovastatin, simvastatin)
- Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine)
- Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine)
- Medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
- Pain killer (e.g. codeine)
- Psychiatric medicines (e.g. chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone)