[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Chemotherapy supportive agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/chemotherapy-supportive-agents/) › Amifostine

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Chemotherapy supportive agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/chemotherapy-supportive-agents/)

# Amifostine

A thiol cytoprotectant that protects the kidney from cisplatin and the salivary glands from radiotherapy. It has been discontinued in the US.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Chemotherapy supportive agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/chemotherapy-supportive-agents/)
- Target: Normal tissue (thiol protection against cisplatin and radiation injury)
- ATC code: V03AF05

Also called: ethiofos

## Mechanism of action

Amifostine is a thiophosphate cytoprotective agent, a sulfur (thiol) compound that protects normal tissues against the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiation. With repeated cisplatin it reduces kidney toxicity; with radiotherapy of the head and neck it reduces dry mouth.

- Amifostine is given just before chemotherapy or radiation
- Its thiol protects normal tissue
- Less kidney damage from cisplatin; less dry mouth from radiotherapy

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Intravenous infusion, started shortly before cisplatin or each radiotherapy session.

## Indications

- Protecting the kidneys from cisplatin in ovarian cancer. [Ovarian cancer →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ovarian-cancer/)
- Reducing dry mouth from postoperative radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. [Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (oral cavity and oropharynx, HPV) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushing or warmth, chills, fever
- Tiredness, drowsiness, sneezing, hiccups

### Serious (rare, important)

- Dizziness and fainting
- Allergic reactions and blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Seizures, chest pain and abnormal heart rhythm

## Contraindications

- Allergy to amifostine

## Key interactions

**Antihypertensive drugs**
They are usually stopped before the infusion, as instructed by the treating team.

**Other thiol compounds (e.g. mesna)**
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with both.

## What is monitored

- Blood pressure before and during the infusion
- Skin reactions
- Hydration and nausea control

## Administration and safety

- Given intravenously by a clinician shortly before cisplatin or radiotherapy.
- Antihypertensives are reviewed and usually held before the infusion.

## Nursing care

- Check blood pressure before and during the infusion; keep the patient lying down if dizzy.
- Give antiemetics as ordered and encourage fluids.
- Teaching: report rash, blistering, chest pain or fainting.

## Memory aid

AMIfostine is the kidney's «AMIgo» during cisplatin: a thiol shield, but watch the blood pressure.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Against which chemotherapy toxicity does amifostine protect?

Cumulative kidney toxicity from cisplatin.

## Which radiotherapy complication can amifostine reduce?

Dry mouth (xerostomia) after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

## Why are blood-pressure medicines reviewed before amifostine?

They are usually stopped beforehand, and amifostine itself can cause dizziness and fainting.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/amifostine/)

## Related drugs

- [Cisplatin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/cisplatin/)
- [Mesna](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mesna/)

## Related conditions

- [Ovarian cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ovarian-cancer/)
- [Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (oral cavity and oropharynx, HPV)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/head-and-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma/)

[← Back to the class: Chemotherapy supportive agents](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/chemotherapy-supportive-agents/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Amifostine Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696014.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2025); [DailyMed - MESNA injection, solution](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a880160b-fa82-453a-a971-29ab897876a7) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 70 (McGraw Hill, 2023); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=V03AF05) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/amifostine/
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