Amifostine
Amifostine is a cytoprotective agent that helps shield healthy tissues from the damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It works by being converted in the body to an active form that protects cells from toxic effects, allowing cancer treatments to target tumors while reducing harm to normal organs. This medication is primarily used to reduce kidney damage from cisplatin chemotherapy and decrease dry mouth in patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancers.
A protective medication that reduces kidney toxicity from certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation-induced dry mouth by shielding healthy tissues from damage.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AF05
- RxNorm
- 4126
- Generic
- Amifostine
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- Ethyol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential fetal effects
fetal monitoring and contraction stress testing
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 18use with caution - limited pediatric data
use only in pediatric patients when benefits outweigh risks - safety and efficacy not well established in children
closely monitor growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65no specific dose adjustment required but use with caution
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to adverse effects - monitor renal function closely
regular monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateconsider dose reduction in severe impairment
monitor renal function before and during treatment - use with caution in patients with baseline creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min
regular serum creatinine and creatinine clearance monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment - use with caution
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment - monitor liver function tests
regular monitoring of liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Amifostine (Ethyol)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Amifostine
Primary indications
Therapeutic uses of Amifostine
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Reduction of cumulative renal toxicity associated with repeated cisplatin administration. Reduction of xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.
Amifostine is a prodrug that is converted by alkaline phosphatase in tissues to its active free thiol metabolite. This metabolite acts as a free radical scavenger, protecting normal cells from oxidative damage caused by chemotherapy agents like cisplatin and radiation therapy.
Administered as an intravenous infusion, typically before chemotherapy or radiation. May cause hypotension, nausea, vomiting, flushing, or sneezing. Patients should be monitored for allergic reactions. Not indicated for use with all chemotherapy regimens. May interfere with the antitumor efficacy of certain chemotherapy agents if given concurrently.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy