Antimetabolites
Antimetabolites
Antimetabolites (/ˌæntiːməˈtæbəlaɪts/) are a type of drug that interferes with the normal metabolic processes within cells. The term "antimetabolite" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "metabole" meaning change.
Mechanism of Action
Antimetabolites work by mimicking the natural metabolites in the body, thereby inhibiting the function of key enzymes. This results in the disruption of DNA and RNA synthesis, which in turn inhibits cell growth and division.
Types of Antimetabolites
There are several types of antimetabolites, including folic acid antagonists, purine analogs, and pyrimidine analogs.
- Folic Acid Antagonists: These include drugs like methotrexate, which inhibit the enzyme involved in the synthesis of folic acid, a necessary component for DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Purine Analogs: These include drugs like mercaptopurine and azathioprine, which inhibit the synthesis of purine bases, the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
- Pyrimidine Analogs: These include drugs like fluorouracil and cytarabine, which inhibit the synthesis of pyrimidine bases, another type of building block for DNA and RNA.
Uses
Antimetabolites are primarily used in the treatment of cancer, as they can inhibit the rapid cell growth characteristic of cancerous cells. They are also used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, as they can suppress the immune system's abnormal response.
Side Effects
Common side effects of antimetabolites include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. More serious side effects can include bone marrow suppression, which can lead to a decrease in blood cell counts.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antimetabolites
- Wikipedia's article - Antimetabolites
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