Folate reductase inhibitors
- sachinkumar244
- Dec 1, 2023
- 1 min read
Folate reductase inhibitors, also known as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors, are a class of antimicrobial drugs that target the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase in various organisms.
This enzyme is essential for the synthesis of tetrahydrofolate, which is a key cofactor in the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins.
By inhibiting DHFR, these drugs block the production of tetrahydrofolate, leading to the disruption of DNA synthesis and ultimately causing cell death in the targeted organism.
Side effects of folate reductase inhibitors vary depending on the specific drug and its use.
Some common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rash, and hematologic abnormalities.
In the case of methotrexate, which also inhibits human DHFR, more severe side effects can occur, such as bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity.
