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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
1

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

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

Related medicines

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

Carboplatin
Rx
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.
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