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