Flucytosine

Brand names

• Ancobon
• Ancotil
• Novo-Triphyl

Usage

To treat general fungal infections and severe fungal infections of the bone and bone marrow (osteomyelitis), the protective layers of tissue surrounding the brain (meningitis), the respiratory tract (pneumonia), the blood (septicemia), and the genitourinary tract (particularly those infections associated with AIDS).

How it works

Flucytosine kills infectious microorganisms by preventing them from synthesizing genetic material (RNA and DNA), thereby preventing the cells from reproducing.

Side effects

Serious

Unusual fatigue, yellow eyes or skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, redness, or itching, sore throat, fever, increased sensitivity of eyes to sunlight, confusion, hallucinations.

Common

Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.

Less common

Dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, unusual drowsiness.

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

The following medicaments may decrease the effects of flucytosine:

• antacids.
• cytarabine (Cytosar).

Flucytosine taken concurrently with:

• amphotericin B may result in increased risk of kidney toxicity; lipid associated form (Abelcet) may help avoid this.
• zidovudine (AZT) may result in additive and serious blood (hematological) toxicity.

Herbal medicines or minerals:

Echinacea: some patients use Echinacea to attempt to boost their immune systems. Unfortunately, use of Echinacea is not recommended in people with damaged immune systems. This herb may also actually weaken any immune system if it is used too often or for too long a time. Caution: St. John's wort may also cause extreme reactions to the sun. Additive photosensitivity may be possible.

Exposure to sun:

Use caution-may cause photosensitivity. See "Herbal Medicines" note above.

Discontinuation:

This medicament may be needed for an extended period. Your doctor must decide when to stop it.

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