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Cisplatin

Prescription

Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

4 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Alkylating-like agent that crosslinks DNA strands by forming platinum-DNA adducts, preventing DNA replication and transcription, leading to apoptosis. Cell-cycle non-specific.

At a glance

Class

Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

Schedule

Prescription (Chemotherapy)

Storage

Store at room temperature 15–25°C, protect from light; do not refrigerate (precipitates); do not use aluminum needles

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Requires pre- and post-hydration (saline diuresis) to minimize nephrotoxicity

Dose

50–70 mg/m²

Route

IV (slow infusion)

Frequency

q3–4 weeks

🐈

Cat

ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in cats

Dose

—

Route

N, A

Frequency

N/A

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature 15–25°C, protect from light; do not refrigerate (precipitates); do not use aluminum needles

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Renal function (BUN, creatinine, urinalysis) before each cycleCBC with differentialElectrolytes (Mg, K)Tumor response by imaging

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Gentamicin (Systemic)

contraindicated

Both are directly nephrotoxic via different mechanisms (cisplatin: proximal tubular DNA damage; gentamicin: proximal tubular lysosomal accumulation). Combined risk of irreversible renal failure.

Management: NEVER combine. Allow renal recovery (minimum 2 weeks, confirm BUN/creatinine normalized) between agents.

Major — 2

Furosemide

major

Furosemide increases cisplatin nephrotoxicity by concentrating cisplatin in renal tubules and reducing renal blood flow. Contrast: saline diuresis is protective.

Management: Do NOT use furosemide with cisplatin. Use aggressive saline diuresis (NaCl 0.9%) before, during, and after cisplatin infusion instead.

Meloxicam

major

NSAID reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated blood flow + cisplatin direct nephrotoxicity: synergistic renal injury.

Management: Avoid NSAIDs during cisplatin cycles. If pain management needed, use opioids.

Moderate — 1

Gemcitabine

moderate

Gemcitabine increases cisplatin intracellular accumulation (synergistic antitumor effect). However, also increased nephrotoxicity when cisplatin given before gemcitabine.

Management: If combined, give gemcitabine BEFORE cisplatin (reduces nephrotoxicity). Ensure aggressive hydration.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Platinol

Cisplatin-AQ

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Cisplatin?

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy used in pets. Alkylating-like agent that crosslinks DNA strands by forming platinum-DNA adducts, preventing DNA replication and transcription, leading to apoptosis. Cell-cycle non-specific.

›What is Cisplatin used for in pets?

Cisplatin is used in veterinary medicine for: Requires pre- and post-hydration (saline diuresis) to minimize nephrotoxicity; ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in cats.

›What is the Cisplatin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Cisplatin is typically dosed as follows — Requires pre- and post-hydration (saline diuresis) to minimize nephrotoxicity: 50–70 mg/m² IV (slow infusion) q3–4 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Cisplatin dose for cats?

For cats, Cisplatin is typically dosed as follows — ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in cats: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Cisplatin need a prescription?

Yes. Cisplatin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Platinum-Based Chemotherapy).

Carboplatin

Alkylating-like platinum complex that forms intrastrand and interstrand DNA crosslinks, preventing DNA replication and transcription. Less nephrotoxic than cisplatin but more myelosuppressive. Safe for use in cats.

dogcat