What is pazopanib used for?

Pazopanib is used to treat adults with advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) or advanced soft tissue sarcoma that has not responded to other chemotherapy.

Can I crush pazopanib tablets?

No, you should swallow pazopanib tablets whole. Crushing them may cause your body to absorb the medicine too quickly.

What are the most common side effects of pazopanib?

Common side effects include diarrhea, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, changes in hair color, and fatigue.

Is pazopanib dangerous for my liver?

Yes, pazopanib can cause severe and even fatal liver damage, so regular liver function tests are necessary during treatment.

Can I take pazopanib with antacids?

You should avoid using gastric acid-reducing agents with pazopanib. If you must use an antacid, separate it from your pazopanib dose by several hours.

Can I take pazopanib while pregnant?

No, pazopanib can cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 weeks after stopping.

Should I take pazopanib with food?

It is best to take pazopanib without food, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, because food increases absorption.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pazopanib?

If you miss a dose, do not take it if there are less than 12 hours left until your next scheduled dose.

pazopanib | CAS 444731-52-6 | CUIHSIWYWATEQL

Loading compound...

Kinase inhibitor

Pazopanib (brand name Votrient) is a kinase inhibitor used to treat certain types of advanced cancer in adults, specifically advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and advanced soft tissue sarcoma. It works by blocking specific proteins that help tumors grow and develop new blood vessels. Because it can cause serious liver damage, heart issues, and bleeding, it requires close medical monitoring.

How it worksPazopanib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking several receptors—including those for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)—that are involved in tumor growth and the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors.

Brand names:VOTRIENT

Used for

Advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in adultsAdvanced soft tissue sarcoma in adults who have already had chemotherapy

Conditions

Advanced renal cell carcinomaAdvanced soft tissue sarcoma

Class

Kinase InhibitorAntineoplasticKinase inhibitorHepaticCardiovascularGastrointestinalRespiratoryIntegumentary

How to take

FormsTablet

RoutesOral

The usual dose is 800 mg taken once daily on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).

Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush them, as this can change how much medicine your body absorbs.

Missed dose: If a dose is missed, it should not be taken if it is < 12 hours until the next dose.

Key warnings

Pazopanib can cause severe and life-threatening liver damage. Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function regularly during treatment.

·Pazopanib can cause severe and life-threatening liver damage. Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function regularly during treatment.
·Liver toxicity can be fatal; regular liver tests are required.
·It may cause heart rhythm problems or heart failure.
·There is a risk of serious bleeding events.
·It can increase the risk of blood clots.
·It may cause lung inflammation or damage.

Do not use if

·None listed

Side effects

Common

DiarrheaHigh blood pressureChanges in hair colorNauseaLoss of appetiteVomitingFatigueWeight lossHeadacheMuscle or bone pain

Serious

·Severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
·Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation)
·Heart failure or decreased heart function
·Severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
·Blood clots (thrombosis)
·Lung disease (pneumonitis)
·High blood pressure
·Kidney issues (proteinuria)

Seek help if

·Severe abdominal pain
·Yellowing of skin or eyes
·Shortness of breath
·Chest pain
·Rapid heart rate
·Sudden weakness or numbness

Interactions

·Avoid using pazopanib with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors unless the dose is reduced.
·Avoid using pazopanib with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
·Avoid using gastric acid-reducing agents (like PPIs) with pazopanib; if antacids are used, separate them from the pazopanib dose by several hours.
·Using simvastatin with pazopanib may increase the risk of liver enzyme elevations.

FoodTaking pazopanib with food increases how much medicine is absorbed into your body. It is recommended to take it without food.

Special populations

PregnancyPazopanib can cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of reproductive age should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. Men should use condoms during treatment.

PediatricPazopanib is not for use in children. It has not been proven safe or effective in pediatric patients and may harm organ growth and development.

GeriatricIn clinical trials, older patients (65+) were more likely to have liver enzyme elevations and higher rates of severe fatigue compared to younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Liver function tests
·Blood pressure
·Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
·Electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, calcium)
·Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

Questions to ask

·What are the signs of liver damage I should watch for?
·How often will my liver and heart function be tested?
·Can I take my usual antacids with this medication?
·What should I do if I miss a dose?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetPeak concentrations achieved in 2 to 4 hours.

BioavailabilitySystemic exposure is increased when administered with food.

Protein bindingHighly bound to plasma proteins.

MetabolismMetabolized by CYP3A4.

ExcretionNot significantly renaly excreted.

Practical

OverdoseIf an overdose occurs, general supportive care should be provided. Hemodialysis is not expected to be effective because the drug is highly bound to blood proteins.

Ingredients

Inactive

Magnesium stearatemicrocrystalline cellulosepovidonesodium starch glycolatehypromellose 2910iron oxide blackpolyethylene glycol 400polysorbate 80titanium dioxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.