Cytotoxic drugs are medications that are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of cells, particularly cancer cells. They work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of many tumors. These drugs are commonly used in chemotherapy to treat various types of cancer, helping to reduce tumor size and prevent the spread of cancerous cells. While effective against cancer, cytotoxic drugs can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This can lead to side effects like nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. Careful management and monitoring are essential during treatment.