Definition of antimetabolite in English:
antimetabolite
nounˌantɪmɪˈtabəlʌɪtˌantēmiˈtabəˌlīt
Physiology A substance that interferes with the normal metabolic processes within cells, typically by combining with enzymes.
Example sentencesExamples
- The class of anticancer drugs that has been developed to interfere with aspects of nucleotide metabolism is known as the antimetabolites.
- With the latter therapy, once patients are weaned from steroids, the purine antimetabolite is continued for an indefinite period while the physician monitors white blood cell count and liver enzymes.
- Clofarabine, a type of drug called a purine nucleoside antimetabolite, works by blocking the production and repair of DNA, the building blocks of genes.
- Most forms of gout can be treated by administering the antimetabolite, allopurinol.
- Methotrexate is an antimetabolite that, apart from its use in malignant disorders, is taken orally in low doses for the control of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.