Docetaxel
Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medication classified as a taxane antineoplastic agent. It works by disrupting the microtubular network essential for cell division, causing cancer cell death. It is used to treat various solid tumors including breast, lung, prostate, gastric, and head and neck cancers.
Docetaxel is an IV chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cell division by disrupting microtubule function and is used for multiple solid tumor types.
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
- L01CD02
- RxNorm
- 72962
- Generic
- Docetaxel
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Docivyx, Beizray
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. Docetaxel may cause fetal harm based on animal data and mechanism of action.
regular fetal monitoring, pregnancy testing before treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus. Consider delaying treatment until after delivery if medically feasible.
regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot applicable
discontinue breastfeeding before starting treatment. Docetaxel is excreted in breast milk.
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno specific dose reduction required but monitor closely
use with caution due to increased incidence of adverse reactions including neutropenia, infections, and fluid retention. Consider prophylactic G-CSF.
more frequent blood counts, close monitoring for infections and fluid retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatric under 18dose based on body surface area, typically 75-100 mg/m2
approved for use in pediatric patients with certain cancers including anaplastic large cell lymphoma and neuroblastoma. Use according to pediatric protocols.
regular blood counts, monitoring for fluid retention and hypersensitivity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Pharmacokinetics not significantly altered.
routine blood counts and renal function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose by 25% for moderate hepatic impairment
use with caution in mild-moderate hepatic impairment. Docetaxel is extensively metabolized in liver. Reduce starting dose to 75 mg/m2 for moderate impairment.
more frequent liver function tests, blood counts, and monitoring for toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severenot recommended
contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (bilirubin > ULN, AST/ALT > 3.5x ULN with ALP > 6x ULN). Risk of fatal toxicity is significantly increased.
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Docetaxel
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism
Common indications
FDA-approved indications
Docetaxel is used to treat metastatic breast cancer, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, and locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Docetaxel binds to free tubulin and promotes the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules while simultaneously preventing their depolymerization. This disrupts the microtubular network essential for mitotic and interphase cellular functions, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Docetaxel is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically every 3 weeks. Common side effects include neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, alopecia, neuropathy, fluid retention, and hypersensitivity reactions. Premedication with corticosteroids is often required to reduce fluid retention and hypersensitivity risk. Hepatic function should be monitored, and dose adjustments may be needed for hepatic impairment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy