has role has functional parent independent continuant cytosine antiviral agent antifibrotic agent pyrimidine nucleoside cytarabine A pyrimidine nucleoside in which cytosine is attached to <small>D</small>-arabinofuranose via a β-<em>N</em><small>^1</small>-glycosidic bond. Used mainly in the treatment of leukaemia, especially acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemia, cytarabine is an antimetabolite antineoplastic agent that inhibits the synthesis of DNA. It also has antiviral and immunosuppressant properties. CHEBI:28680 antimetabolite antineoplastic agent immunosuppressive agent antimalarial beta-D-arabinoside anticoagulant monosaccharide derivative anti-inflammatory agent anti-anaemic agent