The invention provides novel polyamine and amino thiol compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for administration in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The compounds are administered locally to provide protection against the adverse side-effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, such as alopecia, mucositis and dermatitis. Pharmaceutical preparations comprising one or more chemoprotective polyamines or amino thiols formulated for topical or local delivery to epithelial or mucosal cells are disclosed. Methods of administering the pharmaceutical preparations are also disclosed.