Capecitabine

Diagram of the molecular structure of Capecitabine
Brand name: Xeloda®
IUPAC: pentyl[1-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)- 5-fluoro-2-oxo-1H-pyrimidin- 4-yl]aminomethanoate
FDA approval: Yes
Manufacturer Link
Usage:

Capecitabine is a suppressor of bone marrow activity and is frequently used in treatment of breast and bowel cancers. It is important to monitor blood cell and platelet counts throughout the duration of treatment with blood tests before each infusion. Capecitabine may also have toxic effects the hepatic (liver) system which, require liver function to be monitored routinely. Also, cardiac function must be monitored to avoid irreversible effects of toxicity. Evaluations of the function of these systems should be made before each infusion. Capecitabine should not be taken by women who are pregnant and patients should not become pregnant while using this drug, as it may have harmful affects on the developing fetus. This drug may have effects on fertility after treatment has ended. 1

Mechanism:

Capecitabine (Xeloda®) is an antimetabolite that is changed to 5-fluorouracil inside the body. It inhibits cell division and interferes with RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus. and proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. processing.

The diagram below shows the 3D molecular structure of Capecitabine. 

Side effects:

Common side effects include: nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and changes in skin. Less common side effects include temporary bone marrow suppression, hair loss, increased tear production, headache and dizziness. Side effects may be different or more severe if capecitabine is taken with other drugs. Capecitabine is a suppressor of bone marrow activity. 

  • 1. Xeloda.. Prescribing Information. Roche Pharmaceuticals. March, 2015. [https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/xeloda_prescribing.pdf]