How do you take Cisplatin?

This is NOT a drug you take at home by yourself. It is given by injection into a vein (IV drip) only in a hospital or cancer treatment centre by trained doctors and nurses. The dose depends on your body size and the type of cancer being treated. Your oncologist (cancer doctor) will decide your exact dose and schedule.

What are the side effects of Cisplatin?

Severe nausea and vomiting (very common, usually starts hours after treatment), loss of appetite, tiredness and general body weakness, ringing in the ears or reduced hearing, changes in taste of food

Who should not take Cisplatin?

People who are allergic to cisplatin or other platinum-based drugs, people with severe kidney problems, people who are already deaf or have serious hearing loss, people with severely low blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression), pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Prescription

Chemotherapy (Platinum-based anticancer agent)

Cisplatin

Q: What is Cisplatin used for?

Cancer of the bladder, cancer of the ovary, cancer of the testis (balls), lung cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug (cancer medicine) that works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, which stops them from growing and multiplying, eventually killing them.

How it works

Binds to DNA and forms platinum-DNA adducts, triggering interstrand and intrastrand cross-links that prevent DNA replication and transcription, leading to cancer cell apoptosis.

What is it used for?

Cancer of the bladdercancer of the ovarycancer of the testis (balls)lung cancerhead and neck cancercervical cancer

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Cancer Treatment

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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Similar drugs

Oxaliplatin

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What to watch out for

This drug must only be given in a proper hospital or cancer centre, never from roadside sellers, open markets, or unregistered pharmacies. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after treatment as your doctor advises, to protect your kidneys. Always keep all your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your blood, kidneys, and hearing regularly.

Common Side Effects

Severe nausea and vomiting (very common, usually starts hours after treatment)
loss of appetite
tiredness and general body weakness
ringing in the ears or reduced hearing
changes in taste of food

Serious Side Effects

Kidney damage: watch for reduced urination
swelling in legs or face
or dark-coloured urine. Severe drop in blood cells: signs include unusual bleeding
bruising
high fever
or infections that won't go away. Severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing
swelling of face or throat
or rash spreading quickly. Go to the hospital immediately if you notice any of these.

Drug Interactions

Aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin can increase the risk of kidney and hearing damage when used with cisplatin. Furosemide (a common water tablet used for swelling) can also increase hearing damage risk. Avoid using other drugs known to harm the kidneys without your doctor's knowledge.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Cisplatin is NOT safe during pregnancy, as it can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby, and it should not be used while breastfeeding either.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to cisplatin or other platinum-based drugs
people with severe kidney problems
people who are already deaf or have serious hearing loss
people with severely low blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression)
pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How to Store

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. This drug should be stored and handled only in a hospital or pharmacy, as it is a hazardous medicine. Keep far away from children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.