LEUCOVORIN Meaning and
Definition
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Leucovorin is a pharmaceutical drug that serves as a reduced derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is a vital component in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and amino acids. It is essentially a form of folate, a water-soluble B-vitamin that is naturally found in various foods. Leucovorin is commonly used as an adjuvant medication in cancer chemotherapy and is often administered in conjunction with certain chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate.
The primary purpose of leucovorin is to enhance the effectiveness and reduce the associated toxic side effects of methotrexate, a potent chemotherapy drug. By providing a source of the essential building blocks required for cell replication, leucovorin counteracts the harmful impact of methotrexate on healthy cells, particularly in bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This allows for better tumor targeting while minimizing damage to normal tissues.
Aside from its applications in cancer treatment, leucovorin can also be used in the management of certain toxicities caused by other medications, such as overdose or adverse effects of folate antagonists, including trimethoprim and pyrimethamine. Furthermore, it may be utilized to address methotrexate toxicity resulting from accidental or intentional overdose, ensuring the timely reversal of its detrimental effects.
Leucovorin is available in various forms, including oral tablets, injectable solutions, and powder for injection. The dosage and duration of treatment with leucovorin are determined by the prescribing physician, depending on the specific condition, response to therapy, and individual patient factors. Close monitoring and compliance with medical instructions are crucial to ensure the optimal therapeutic benefit and minimize potential complications associated with leucovorin administration.
Common Misspellings for LEUCOVORIN
- keucovorin
- peucovorin
- oeucovorin
- lwucovorin
- lsucovorin
- lducovorin
- lrucovorin
- l4ucovorin
- l3ucovorin
- leycovorin
- lehcovorin
- lejcovorin
- leicovorin
- le8covorin
- le7covorin
- leuxovorin
- leuvovorin
- leufovorin
- leudovorin
- leucivorin
Etymology of LEUCOVORIN
The word "leucovorin" is derived from two components: "leuco-" and "vorin".
- "Leuco-" comes from the Ancient Greek word "leukos" (λευκός), which means "white" or "pale", reflecting the color of the compound.
- "Vorin" is a suffix commonly used in pharmaceutical nomenclature, indicating that the substance is a competitive inhibitor of another compound.
Therefore, the term "leucovorin" suggests a substance that is a white or pale competitive inhibitor.
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