cytarabine · Medicine question

How does cytarabine interfere with DNA synthesis?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

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Answer

Cytarabine is converted to ARA-CTP, which competitively inhibits DNA polymerase, and acts as a false nucleoside, competing for enzymes involved in converting cytidine nucleotide to deoxycytidine nucleotide and for incorporation into DNA.

Sources for this answer

Cytarabine Injection Solution 100 mg/mlHospira UK Ltd · emc · SmPC §5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties · Version 21Document updated 28 September 2026

Sources checked 8 November 2026

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