Adrucil (fluorouracil) is categorized as what type of medication?

Adrucil, or fluorouracil, is categorized as an antimetabolite medication because it interferes with the synthesis of nucleic acids, specifically by inhibiting the enzyme thymidylate synthase. This mechanism disrupts the production of DNA, which is essential for cancer cell replication and survival. Antimetabolites are commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, as they can selectively target rapidly dividing cells.

This classification is crucial in understanding how fluorouracil works as part of chemotherapy regimens. While antibiotics focus on fighting bacterial infections, hormonal therapies target hormone-dependent cancers, and immunotherapies enhance the immune response against tumors, antimetabolites specifically disrupt cellular processes involved in cancer cell division, highlighting their unique role in cancer treatment.