daunorubicin

drug

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Daunorubicin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of leukemia. It is also known as daunomycin.12

Daunorubicin belongs to a class of drugs called antineoplastic antibiotics, which are used to treat various cancers. These drugs work by interfering with DNA synthesis and replication. They are typically administered intravenously and are used for conditions such as lymphoma and leukemia. While effective against cancer, daunorubicin can cause side effects like blood cell damage and hair loss.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

antineoplastic antibiotic
antibiotics include doxorubicin, daunorubicin, bleomycin, mitomycin, and dactinomycin, all of which are derived from species of Streptomyces bacteria. While these drugs may have antibacterial activity, they are generally too dangerous and toxic for that use. Antineoplastic antibiotics are associated with blood cell damage,
Read More
antibiotics include doxorubicin, daunorubicin, bleomycin, mitomycin, and dactinomycin, all of which are derived from species of Streptomyces bacteria. While these drugs may have antibacterial activity, they are generally too dangerous and toxic for that use. Antineoplastic antibiotics are associated with blood cell damage,
Read More