Which chemotherapy agents are categorized as irritants?

Chemotherapy agents that are classified as irritants are those that can cause inflammation and irritation of the veins when administered intravenously, leading to discomfort, tenderness, or even phlebitis in the surrounding tissue. An example of an irritant is docetaxel, which is known to cause such adverse effects upon infusion. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of which specific chemotherapeutic agents fall into this category to ensure proper administration techniques and to monitor for potential side effects.

The classification of irritants versus vesicants is crucial; while vesicants can cause severe tissue damage and blistering if extravasation occurs, irritants mainly lead to local inflammation without causing necrosis. This distinction highlights why only certain agents like docetaxel are recognized as irritants rather than a broader classification including all chemotherapies or incorrectly categorizing all agents as either irritants or non-irritants. Recognizing specific agents and understanding their behavior during infusion helps in managing patient safety effectively.