Leucovorin (Folinic acid)
Also known as calcium leucovorin or citrovorum factor.
General information
Class/mechanism: Folic acid analog; counteracts the effects of folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, which acts by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase. Enhances the activity of Fluorouracil (5-FU) by inhibiting thymidylate synthase.[1][2]
Route: PO, IM, IV
Extravasation: no information
For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.[1]
Diseases for which it is used
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia
- Cervical cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Hepatobiliary cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Rectal cancer
Patient drug information
- Folinic acid (Leucovorin) patient drug information (Chemocare)[3]
- Folinic acid (Leucovorin) patient drug information (UpToDate)[4]