Paclitaxel Dose Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Example Data Table

Formulas Used

• Mosteller BSA: BSA (m²) = √((Height(cm) × Weight(kg)) / 3600)
• DuBois & DuBois BSA: BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Height(cm)^0.725 × Weight(kg)^0.425
• Base dose: Dose(mg) = (mg/m²) × BSA(m²)
• Adjusted dose: Adjusted(mg) = Base(mg) × (1 + Adjustment% / 100)
• Rounded dose: Rounded(mg) = round(Adjusted / Step) × Step
• Volume estimate: Volume(mL) = Rounded(mg) ÷ Concentrate(mg/mL)

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter patient height and weight, and choose your units.
2. Select a BSA method (Mosteller is typical for dosing).
3. Pick a regimen dose basis, or select Custom to enter mg/m².
4. Add a dose adjustment percentage if your protocol requires it.
5. Choose a rounding step and concentrate strength for volume estimates.
6. Click Calculate to view the result above this form.
7. Use the CSV/PDF buttons to export the displayed result.

Dose standardization in oncology workflows

Paclitaxel is commonly prescribed as mg per square meter of body surface area (BSA). This calculator converts height and weight into BSA, then multiplies by a regimen value such as 80, 135, or 175 mg/m². Using consistent inputs reduces transcription errors, especially when multiple cycles are planned. The result card summarizes base dose, adjustment percent, and rounded dose so pharmacy and nursing teams can cross-check the same numbers.

BSA methods and measurement sensitivity

Mosteller BSA uses √((cm × kg)/3600) and is widely used because it is simple and stable for bedside checks. DuBois & DuBois uses exponents on height and weight and can differ slightly at extremes. A 2 cm height entry error or a 1 kg weight entry error can change BSA enough to shift the calculated dose by several milligrams, which matters when rounding steps are small (0.1–2 mg).

Protocol selection and dose adjustment logic

Regimen choice should match the oncology protocol, indication, and schedule. The calculator supports preset options and a custom mg/m² field for institutional pathways. The adjustment input applies a percentage change to the base dose, supporting common reductions for toxicity or prior exposure. The allowed range (−50% to +50%) prevents accidental extreme entries while still covering typical clinical scenarios.

Rounding, volume estimation, and vial planning

After adjustment, the tool rounds to a selectable step (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, or 10 mg). Rounding policies vary by institution and may be linked to vial sizes or workflow constraints. Using the concentrate strength (often entered as 6 mg/mL), the calculator estimates the withdraw volume. A vial suggestion searches 30 mg, 100 mg, and 300 mg combinations to meet or exceed the dose with minimal waste and fewer vials.

Documentation outputs for verification and audits

Export functions help create a traceable calculation record. CSV downloads capture patient identifiers, inputs, and results for spreadsheet review. PDF output provides a shareable summary for chart attachment or pharmacy verification notes. These exports are intended for arithmetic documentation only; clinical decisions still require lab values, organ function review, premedication planning, infusion compatibility, and local safety checks before administration. For training, compare results across both BSA methods and confirm rounding stays within protocol limits. Recheck units, decimal placement, and any dose caps before finalizing orders in every chemotherapy cycle.

FAQs

Does this calculator replace an oncology protocol?

No. It only performs BSA-based arithmetic and simple rounding. Regimen selection, dose modifications, lab thresholds, and infusion procedures must follow your institution’s oncology protocol and pharmacy verification.

Which BSA method should I use?

Mosteller is commonly used for routine dosing checks because it is simple. If your site specifies DuBois & DuBois, select it for consistency and document the method used in calculations.

How does dose adjustment work?

The adjustment percentage is applied to the base dose after BSA multiplication. Enter negative values for reductions and positive values for increases, then round according to your policy.

What does the vial suggestion mean?

It proposes a 30 mg, 100 mg, and 300 mg vial combination that meets or exceeds the rounded dose with minimal waste and fewest vials. Always confirm available vial sizes and local compounding rules.

How is volume calculated?

Volume equals the rounded dose divided by the concentrate strength you enter (mg/mL). This is an estimate of withdraw volume, not the final infusion bag volume, which depends on dilution requirements.

Can I export results for documentation?

Yes. The CSV export captures inputs and outputs for spreadsheet review, and the PDF provides a summary suitable for attachment. Review patient identifiers and notes before saving or sharing.