CALCIUM FOLINATE Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium folinate, also known as calcium leucovorin or simply folinic acid, is a medication classified as a form of folate or vitamin B9. It is chemically similar to folic acid, and it acts as a coenzyme in various metabolic processes within the body. Calcium folinate is primarily used in the medical field to counteract the toxic effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly those that inhibit the action of dihydrofolate reductase.
The main function of calcium folinate is to enhance the synthesis of DNA and certain proteins, thus aiding in cell growth and division. It acts as a "rescue" agent, protecting healthy cells from damage caused by chemotherapy drugs while allowing them to continue functioning normally. By providing an exogenous source of folate, calcium folinate helps to maintain the necessary levels of this vital nutrient, which is essential for DNA replication and repair.
Apart from its use in chemotherapy, calcium folinate is also utilized in the treatment of certain overdoses of methotrexate, a drug used to treat various conditions. Due to its ability to reverse the toxic effects of methotrexate quickly, calcium folinate is an important antidote in cases of methotrexate toxicity, helping to prevent adverse effects on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys.
Overall, calcium folinate plays a crucial role in supporting healthy cell function and protecting against the harmful effects of certain medications, primarily chemotherapy drugs. Its ability to restore the proper functioning of cells and aid in DNA synthesis makes it an invaluable component in the treatment of cancer and other conditions.
Common Misspellings for CALCIUM FOLINATE
- xalcium folinate
- valcium folinate
- falcium folinate
- dalcium folinate
- czlcium folinate
- cslcium folinate
- cwlcium folinate
- cqlcium folinate
- cakcium folinate
- capcium folinate
- caocium folinate
- calxium folinate
- calvium folinate
- calfium folinate
- caldium folinate
- calcuum folinate
- calcjum folinate
- calckum folinate
- calcoum folinate
- calc9um folinate
Etymology of CALCIUM FOLINATE
The word "Calcium Folinate" is composed of two separate parts: "calcium" and "folinate".
1. Calcium: The term "calcium" derives from the Latin word "calx", meaning "lime". The element calcium is named after its occurrence in limestone, a compound made primarily of calcium carbonate. "Calx" was eventually adapted into the English language as "calcium", referring to the chemical element with the atomic number 20.
2. Folinate: "Folinate" is derived from the word "folium", which is Latin for "leaf". This term is related to the fact that this compound is a derivative of folic acid, a B vitamin that is essential for various biological functions, including the production and maintenance of cells. The suffix "-ate" in "folinate" indicates that it is a salt or ester form of folic acid.
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