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What are Antimetabolites? ; Types of Chemotherapy ; Function of Antimetabolites
Antimetabolites are drugs that interfere with the function of enzymes involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Antimetabolites are used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. There are two types of chemotherapy: alkylating agents and antimetabolites. Alkylating agents work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. Antimetabolites work by interfering with the enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Antimetabolite – Meaning Classification Function Uses and FAQs.
Some Antimetabolite Drugs are:
Folic acid antagonists: Methotrexate, Pemetrexed
Purine analogs: Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine
Pyrimidine analogs: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Fluorouracil
Antimetabolites Mechanism of Action
Antimetabolites are drugs that interfere with the metabolism of cells. They are structurally similar to important cellular metabolites, but they are not recognized by the enzymes that normally catalyze their formation. As a result, the cells are unable to synthesize the normal metabolites, and they die.
Category of Antimetabolites on the Basis of Analogues
There are several types of antimetabolites, which can be broadly classified on the basis of their chemical structure and their function within the cell.
The most common type of antimetabolite is the analog, which is structurally similar to a naturally occurring molecule but has a different function. For example, the antimetabolite methotrexate is structurally similar to the naturally occurring molecule folic acid, but it blocks the action of folic acid in the cell.
Another type of antimetabolite is the inhibitor, which blocks the action of a specific enzyme within the cell. For example, the antimetabolite azathioprine blocks the action of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase, which is involved in the synthesis of purines.
The final type of antimetabolite is the suicide inhibitor, which is structurally similar to a naturally occurring molecule but has an altered function that causes the molecule to self-destruct. For example, the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil is structurally similar to the naturally occurring molecule uracil, but it is converted into a toxic molecule that damages the cell.
Further Classification of Antimetabolite Drugs
There are different types of antimetabolite drugs. The most common type of antimetabolite drug is the antibiotic drug. Antibiotic drugs are used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic drugs work by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection.
Other types of antimetabolite drugs include:
Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing the cancer cells that are causing the cancer.
Hormone therapy drugs: Hormone therapy drugs are used to treat cancer. Hormone therapy drugs work by blocking the hormones that are helping the cancer cells to grow.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Anthracyclines: daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin
Plicamycin: Mithracin
Dactinomycin: Actinomycin D
Bleomycin: Bleomycin sulfate
Antimetabolites and Immunosuppressive Agents
The potential for additive or synergistic toxicity between antimetabolites and immunosuppressive agents must be considered when treating patients with both types of agents.
The combination of methotrexate and leflunomide is an example of an additive toxicity. If a patient is being treated with both agents, the dose of each should be reduced.
The combination of mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine is an example of a synergistic toxicity. If a patient is being treated with both agents, the dose of each should be increased.
Antibiotics
If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are a type of medication that kills bacteria.
There are many different types of antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic that is most likely to work against the bacteria causing your infection.
It is important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. If you do not take them all, the infection may not go away. If you stop taking them too soon, the infection may come back.
Some common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor.
Do not take antibiotics if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor tells you to.
Other Uses of Antimetabolites
Some antimetabolites are also used as cancer treatments. Methotrexate is a common example. It is used to treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer. Antimetabolite – Meaning Classification Function Uses and FAQs.
