Flucytosine is an anti-fungal drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating fungal infections.

Flucytosine is used to treat serious fungal infections caused by specific types of fungi. It is considered an important component in managing infections caused by fungi like Cryptococcus and Candida species, which can be particularly problematic in individuals with weakened immune systems. It's often combined with other antifungal drugs to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Take the Flucytosine as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Flucytosine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, inflammatory bowel disease, low potassium levels in the blood, headache, drowsiness, skin sensitivity, fever, and vertigo.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Do not consume this drug without dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme activity (complete DPD deficiency). If you are on herpes treatment with antiviral nucleoside analogs or have been on such treatment within the last 4 weeks, inform your doctor before starting the treatment with Flucytosine. Inform your doctor if you have poor kidney function. This is important to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor your medication response. It's essential not to miss any laboratory tests that your physician has recommended for you. These tests are important to monitor your health, treatment response, and any serious side effects.

Male patients whose female partners are of reproductive age must follow an effective method of contraception up to 3 months after the treatment. Female patients of childbearing age should use a reliable method of contraception for a month after the last dose. This helps ensure that there is no risk of unintended pregnancy during this period. Flucytosine should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary.  If you suspect that you are pregnant while undergoing treatment with this medication, inform your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine. Consult your doctor for advice if you are breastfeeding.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration can help minimize side effects like kidney-related issues. Complete the entire course of Flucytosine treatment as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Stopping early could lead to incomplete eradication of the infection.

1. Icn Polfa Rzeszow Spolka Akcyjna, World Health Organization (WHO), [Revised on 7th Aug 2020] [Accessed on 25th August 2023], https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/sites/default/files/HA693part3v4.pdf
2. Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Nov 2017] [Accessed on 25th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/017001s032lbl.pdf
3. Harry W. Lampiris, Daniel S. Maddix, Antifungal Agents, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 853-862.
4. KD Tripathi, Antifungal Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 838-848.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.