Oxaliplatin (Nurse Version)
Medication Basics
Drug Name
Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®; generic oxaliplatin injection)
Purpose / Indication
Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based antineoplastic agent used most commonly in colorectal cancer regimens, including combinations with infusional fluorouracil and leucovorin. Education should align with the prescribed regimen, institutional policy, and current prescribing information.
Dosage & Administration
Dose Schedule
Regimen-specific. Commonly administered as an IV infusion on a cycle-based schedule, often every 2 weeks in FOLFOX-type regimens. Verify dose, BSA, renal function, lab parameters, and protocol before administration.
Route
IV (Intravenous)
Timing Considerations
Administer by IV infusion per institutional protocol. Assess baseline neuropathy, cold sensitivity, hypersensitivity history, labs, and treatment parameters before each cycle.
Food Relation
Either
Time of Day
Flexible
Special Instructions
Assess for hypersensitivity during every cycle, including later cycles. Educate patient to avoid cold exposure and cold liquids due to acute cold-induced neurotoxicity. Ensure antiemetic regimen and rescue medications are available per policy.
Injection Techniques
Administered by trained oncology personnel using chemotherapy precautions and institutional IV administration standards. Monitor IV site for infiltration/extravasation symptoms.
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism
Oxaliplatin forms reactive platinum complexes that bind DNA, causing intra-strand and inter-strand crosslinks, inhibition of DNA replication/transcription, and cell death.