flucytosine

Generic Name: flucytosine
Other Brand Names: Ancobon

What is flucytosine?

Flucytosine is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections.

Flucytosine is used to treat serious fungal infections of the blood, lungs, heart, central nervous system, and urinary tract.

Flucytosine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flucytosine?

Before taking flucytosine, tell your doctor if you

  • have kidney disease,

  • have a blood or bone marrow disease, or

  • are being treated with radiation or a drug that causes bone marrow suppression.

You may not be able to take flucytosine or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Flucytosine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether flucytosine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether flucytosine passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take flucytosine?

Take flucytosine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Flucytosine may cause nausea and vomiting. You can reduce this side effect by taking the capsules a few at a time over a 15-minute period. Notify your doctor if nausea and vomiting become unbearable.

Take all of the flucytosine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

It is important to take flucytosine regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with flucytosine to monitor progress and side effects.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of flucytosine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about flucytosine?
Your pharmacist has information about flucytosine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of flucytosine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking flucytosine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  • chest pain;

  • yellowing of the skin or eyes;

  • little or no urine;

  • confusion or hallucinations;

  • numbness or tingling; or

  • hearing loss.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take flucytosine and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea;

  • a dry mouth;

  • headache;

  • sedation; or

  • weakness or poor coordination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about flucytosine?

Take all of the flucytosine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Flucytosine may cause nausea and vomiting. You can reduce this side effect by taking the capsules a few at a time over a 15-minute period.

What should I avoid while taking flucytosine?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with flucytosine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What other drugs will affect flucytosine?

Before taking flucytosine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • amphoterecin B (another antifungal medication). This drug may decrease the effects of flucytosine.

  • cytosine (Cytosar-U), a chemotherapy medication. This drug may inactivate flucytosine.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with flucytosine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of flucytosine?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a flucytosine overdose are not well known but might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008