Folinic acid
Folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, is a medication used to decrease the toxic effects of methotrexate and pyrimethamine. It is also used in combination with 5-fluorouracil to treat colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, may be used to treat folate deficiency that results in anemia, and methanol poisoning. It is taken by mouth, injection into a muscle, or injection into a vein.
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Pronunciation | Leucovorin /ˌljuːkoʊˈvɔːrɪn/ |
Trade names | Many |
Other names | citrovorum factor, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a608038 |
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Routes of administration | Intravenous, IM, by mouth |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Dose dependent |
Protein binding | ~15% |
Elimination half-life | 6.2 hours |
Excretion | Kidney |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.328 |
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Formula | C20H23N7O7 |
Molar mass | 473.446 g·mol−1 |
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Melting point | 245 °C (473 °F) decomp |
Solubility in water | ~0.3 mg/mL (20 °C) |
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Side effects may include trouble sleeping, allergic reactions, or fever. Use in pregnancy or breastfeeding is generally regarded as safe. When used for anemia it is recommended that pernicious anemia as a cause be ruled out first. Folinic acid is a form of folic acid that does not require activation by dihydrofolate reductase to be useful to the body.
Folinic acid was first made in 1945. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.