Folate Antagonists
Agents: trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), dapsone, pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, sulfadoxine The combination drug TMP/SMX is the most widely used folate antagonist, active against both bacterial and parasitic/fungal infections.
Folate antagonists are inhibitors of the enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase (TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE), which converts dihydrofolate (FH2) to tetrahydrofolate (FH4). They are frequently used in cancer chemotherapy. These drugs stop cells from using folic acid to make DNA and may kill cancer cells.
Methotrexate is used for the treatment of some types of malignancy. Also in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some antimalarials act on folate co-enzymes.
Certain folic acid antagonists are used to treat some types of cancer and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also called antifolate and folate antagonist.
Some people use folic acid to prevent colon cancer , It is also used to prevent heart disease and stroke, as well as to reduce blood levels of a chemical called homocysteine.
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