Prophylaxis for paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical literature supporting the prophylactic use of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone to prevent hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to paclitaxel infusion.


METHODS
Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (from 1986 to 2000).


RESULTS
Prophylaxis for paclitaxel-related HSRs generally includes repeated dexamethasone doses beginning 12 hours before paclitaxel, and administration of diphenhydramine plus a histamine2-receptor antagonist 30 minutes before infusion of paclitaxel. Singe-dose intravenous dexamethasone administered with ancillary medications 30 minutes before infusion of paclitaxel has been used to prevent regimen-related HSRs.


CONCLUSIONS
Single-dose intravenous dexamethasone can be used in combination with appropriate ancillary medications to prevent paclitaxel-related HSRs.
Kintzel
P E
PE
Department of Pharmacy, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA. kintzelpe@aol.com
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011292:Premedication
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D003907:Dexamethasone; D017239:Paclitaxel