← Back
Treatment and the treatment process

Cytarabine and cytostatic drugs

Cytostatic drugs stop cells from dividing. Among them, cytarabine is one of the most important drugs for treating myeloid leukemia.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, a golden link slips into a growing DNA chain and growth stops.
Figure 1.Cytarabine enters DNA as a false brick.

01Short answer

"Cytostatic" means "stopping the cell" and is a general name for classic chemotherapy drugs. They act on fast-dividing cells — both leukemia cells and healthy ones, such as those in the bone marrow, hair roots and gut lining. Cytarabine (Ara-C) is an antimetabolite: it resembles a DNA "building block" (cytidine), enters the DNA chain and stops it from being built. In AML, cytarabine is the backbone of treatment: a 7-day continuous infusion at standard dose in "7+3" induction, short high-dose infusions in consolidation, and sometimes low-dose injections under the skin in older people. It is also used in ALL protocols and intrathecally.

02Simple explanation

Cytostatic. A drug that stops dividing cells.

A false brick. Cytarabine enters DNA and halts the building work.

Different doses. Low, standard and high doses serve different purposes.

Side effects. Mostly linked to fast-dividing healthy cells.

03Scientific explanation

Mechanism: inside the cell, cytarabine is converted to ara-CTP, blocks DNA polymerase and stops the DNA chain from lengthening; it is active in S phase (NCI).

Dose schedules: standard dose (a continuous infusion over several days), intermediate and high doses (short infusions several times a day), and low dose (under the skin). The doctor sets the dose and schedule according to the protocol.

Specific side effects: at high doses, conjunctivitis (prevented with steroid eye drops), cerebellar toxicity (especially in older people and those with reduced kidney function), skin rash, fever ("cytarabine syndrome") and raised liver enzymes.

04What happens in the body?

How does it work?

To divide, a leukemia cell must copy its DNA. Cytarabine slips into the copy as a false part and the process stops. As a result the cell dies.

Dose and route

The same drug at different doses can be treatment of quite different intensity. High doses are stronger but need special monitoring.

Three glass vessels on a dark surface holding rising levels of glowing teal liquid.
Figure 3.Cytarabine is given at different doses.

Other cytostatic drugs

Anthracyclines, alkylating agents and vinca alkaloids are also cytostatics; they are covered in the next topics. Their common effects — low blood counts, nausea, hair loss — are similar.

A teal wave of light over translucent cells frozen in the middle of division.
Figure 2.Cytostatics stop dividing cells.

05How is cytarabine used?

A simplified outline.

Induction — Standard dose, 7 days.1InductionStandard dose, 7 days.
Consolidation — High dose, short courses.2ConsolidationHigh dose, short courses.
Protection — Eye drops, neurological checks.3ProtectionEye drops, neurological checks.
Monitoring — Blood and liver.4MonitoringBlood and liver.
The backbone of AMLUsed for decades.
DNABuilding stops.
MonitoringNurses keep watch.

06Ways cytarabine is used

ScheduleWhereFeature
Standard doseAML induction ("7+3")Continuous infusion
High doseAML consolidation, some ALL blocksEye and nervous system monitoring
Low doseAML in older peopleUnder the skin
IntrathecalCNS prevention and treatmentInto the spinal fluid
CombinationsFLAG and other regimensWith fludarabine, G-CSF
Liposomal formSome AML typesCombined with daunorubicin

* Only your doctor sets the dose and schedule.

07Key terms

Cytostatic
A drug that stops cell division.
Cytarabine (Ara-C)
The main antimetabolite in AML.
Antimetabolite
A drug that mimics a normal substance.
Continuous infusion
A drip running day and night without a break.
Cerebellar toxicity
Disturbed cerebellum function — balance, speech.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the lining of the eye.

08Key points

  • Cytostatics act on dividing cells.
  • Cytarabine is the key drug in AML.
  • It works as a false "brick".
  • Doses can differ greatly.
  • At high doses the eyes and nervous system are protected.
  • Report neurological changes straight away.

09Frequently asked questions

Why the eye drops?

High-dose cytarabine can irritate the eyes; steroid drops prevent this.

Can a fever come from cytarabine?

Yes, but during neutropenia a fever is always assessed as a possible infection.

Will my hair fall out?

Often, especially with other drugs; usually temporarily.

Can I have it at home?

Low-dose injections under the skin are sometimes given at home or as an outpatient.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Why the eye drops?

  2. Can a fever come from cytarabine?

  3. Will my hair fall out?

  4. Can I have it at home?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. American Cancer Society. How Chemotherapy Drugs Work
  3. Cancer Research UK. Chemotherapy
  4. MedlinePlus. Cancer Chemotherapy
  5. MedlinePlus. Cytarabine injection
  6. Macmillan Cancer Support. Cytarabine
  7. MedlinePlus. Intravenous
  8. Resuscitation Council UK. Adult advanced life support guidelines (2025)
  9. MedlinePlus. Deep Vein Thrombosis
  10. Cancer Research UK. Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →