Ethyol
Ethyol (amifostine) is a cytoprotective agent used to reduce kidney damage from certain chemotherapy drugs and decrease dry mouth in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. It helps protect healthy tissues from the damaging effects of cancer treatments while allowing therapeutic effects on cancer cells.
Ethyol protects normal tissues from chemotherapy and radiation damage.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 151722
- Generic
- Ethyol
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Ethyol is indicated to reduce cumulative renal toxicity associated with repeated cisplatin administration in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, and to reduce the incidence of moderate to severe xerostomia in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.
Ethyol is a prodrug that is dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase to its active thiol metabolite, WR-1065. This metabolite provides cytoprotection by scavenging reactive oxygen species, binding to reactive drug metabolites, and protecting DNA from damage. Normal tissues accumulate higher concentrations of the active metabolite compared to tumor tissues.
Ethyol is administered intravenously, typically before chemotherapy or radiation. Common side effects include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and flushing. Blood pressure should be monitored during infusion. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to amifostine or with active hypotension.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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