Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy medication classified as an alkylating agent, used to treat various solid tumors including testicular, ovarian, bladder, lung, and head and neck cancers. It works by binding to DNA and forming cross-links, which prevent cancer cells from replicating and ultimately lead to cell death.
Cisplatin is a platinum chemotherapy drug used to treat several types of solid tumor cancers by damaging cancer cell DNA.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XA01
- RxNorm
- 2555
- Generic
- Cisplatin
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treats testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancers, and various other solid tumors, often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
A platinum-based alkylating agent that forms cross-links with DNA strands, preventing DNA replication and transcription, which induces cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Administered intravenously under medical supervision. Can cause significant side effects including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), ototoxicity (hearing loss), neurotoxicity, and severe nausea. Requires adequate hydration before and after administration. Regular monitoring of kidney function, hearing, and blood counts is essential during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy