How Do You Spell AMIFOSTINE?

Pronunciation: [ˈamɪfˌɒstiːn] (IPA)

Amifostine, a drug used as a cytoprotective agent in chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is spelled with the following IPA phonetic transcription: əˈmɪfɒstiːn. The first syllable is pronounced like the "uh" sound, followed by "mi" which sounds like "me". "Fostine" is pronounced with the "f" sound and "o" as in "ocean". The stress is on the third syllable, "stine", which is pronounced like "steen". The spelling of this word follows the conventions of English phonetics, which can be confusing for those not familiar with the language.

AMIFOSTINE Meaning and Definition

1. Amifostine is a chemical compound used in medicine as a cytoprotective and radioprotective agent. It is classified as a prodrug, meaning it undergoes a metabolic conversion to an active form in the body. Upon administration, amifostine is converted into the thiol metabolite known as WR-1065, which acts as a free radical scavenger.

   The primary use of amifostine is to reduce the toxic side effects of certain cancer treatments, particularly radiation therapy and cisplatin chemotherapy. It works by providing protection to normal cells and tissues while minimizing damage caused by these treatments. By scavenging free radicals, it assists in mitigating the harmful effects of oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by radiation and chemotherapeutic agents.

   Amifostine is commonly administered intravenously before cancer treatment, as it is more effective if present prior to exposure to radiation or cisplatin. Its application aims to limit the occurrence of radiation-induced dry mouth (xerostomia) in patients receiving head and neck radiation therapy, as well as nephrotoxicity associated with cisplatin chemotherapy.

   Although generally well-tolerated, amifostine may cause some side effects, including low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. It is important to note that the use of amifostine should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, and its administration should be supervised by healthcare professionals in order to ensure its appropriate and safe use.

Common Misspellings for AMIFOSTINE

• Alifostine

Etymology of AMIFOSTINE

The word "Amifostine" originated from a combination of two parts: "Ami-" and "-fostine".

The prefix "Ami-" comes from the French word "amino" which means "amino". In this context, it refers to the amino group (-NH2) that is present in the chemical structure of Amifostine.

The suffix "-fostine" is derived from the Latin word "foster" meaning "to nourish" or "to support". This suffix is commonly used in the names of drugs to indicate their role in supporting or protecting certain body tissues.

Therefore, the word "Amifostine" can be understood as a compound term reflecting the amino group within the molecule and its nourishing or protective properties.