Cisplatin
(Platinol, CDDP)
For the Treatment of Cancer
Description
Cisplatin is chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
How It Is Given
It is infused into vein (IV), often with extra fluids, over about an hour.
Common Side Effects
▪ Nausea and vomiting.
▪ Reduced blood counts may occur in 2 to 4 weeks.
▪ Numbness, tingling, and reduced feeling in fingers and toes.
▪ May affect magnesium and potassium levels. These levels will be checked through blood
tests.
▪ Hair loss
Less Common Side Effects
▪ Kidney changes may occur, but can be reduced by giving large amounts of fluids and
diuretics.
▪ Hearing changes.
▪ Very rarely, sweating, difficulty breathing, and rapid heartbeat may occur.
Call Your Health Care Provider If You Develop
▪ Ringing in your ears or a change in hearing
▪ Nausea and vomiting not controlled with medicine
▪ Trouble urinating or blood in your urine
▪ Trouble breathing, shortness of breath
▪ Rapid heartbeat
Special Concerns
▪ Always tell your health care provider that you are taking cisplatin. Certain antibiotics
(aminoglycosides) can interact with your chemotherapy and should be avoided.
▪ More lab tests may be needed.
▪ Drink at least 3 quarts of fluid (about 12 glasses) during the day of the injection and for the
next 2 days. Popsicles®, pudding, Jello®, soup, ice cream, sherbet all help keep you
hydrated.
▪ Empty bladder often and before going to bed.
Reproduced with permission from the 1989-2011 United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc.
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you
have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor.
This is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because
each person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team
when using this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright © 2/2014 University of
Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5548