Chemicals and Drugs

Alkylating Agents

Highly reactive chemicals that introduce alkyl radicals into biologically active molecules and thereby prevent their proper functioning. Many are used as antineoplastic agents, but most are very toxic, with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressant actions. They have also been used as components in poison gases.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Highly reactive chemicals that introduce alkyl radicals into biologically active molecules and thereby prevent their proper functioning. Many are used as antineoplastic agents, but most are very toxic, with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressant actions. They have also been used as components in poison gases.

MeSH Record

Classification

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MeSH Record

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

5 entry terms
  • Alkylating Agent
  • Alkylator
  • Alkylators
  • Agent, Alkylating
  • Agents, Alkylating

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

22 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analysis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

66(64)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. D27.505.519w.124
  2. D27.888w.569.035

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QV 269

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Alkylating Agents. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000477. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000477
  2. Alkylating Agents. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17172594