What is one of the most common side effects of antimetabolites?
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
- Skin rash, which may itch.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Sores in the mouth or throat.
- Hair loss. This is reversible, and hair will grow back when treatment ends.
- Changes in the way foods taste.
- Weakness or fatigue.
In this regard, what does an antimetabolite do?
Antimetabolites are drugs that interfere with one or more enzymes or their reactions that are necessary for DNA synthesis. They affect DNA synthesis by acting as a substitute to the actual metabolites that would be used in the normal metabolism (for example antifolates interfere with the use of folic acid).
Also asked, what is the major side effect of alkylating agents?
Common side effects of these medicines include: An upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting. A skin rash, which may itch. Diarrhea or constipation.
The cell cycle goes from the resting phase, through active growing phases, and then to mitosis (division). The ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells depends on its ability to halt cell division. Usually, cancer drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division.