Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medication that works by inhibiting cell division through stabilization of microtubules, preventing cancer cells from properly separating during mitosis. It is used to treat various solid tumors including breast, ovarian, lung, pancreatic, and bladder cancers.
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cell division and is used to treat several types of solid tumor cancers.
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
- L01CD01
- RxNorm
- 56946
- Generic
- Paclitaxel
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Abraxane
- 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.
Paclitaxel is indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, advanced ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma, and pancreatic cancer. It may be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
Paclitaxel binds to beta-tubulin subunits in microtubules, promoting their assembly and stabilizing them against disassembly. This prevents the dynamic reorganization of the microtubule network that is essential for cell division, arresting cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and triggering apoptosis.
Paclitaxel is administered intravenously and carries risk of serious side effects including bone marrow suppression, peripheral neuropathy, hypersensitivity reactions, and cardiac effects. Pre-medication with corticosteroids and antihistamines is typically required. It should only be administered under supervision of oncologists experienced with chemotherapy.
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