What Is Flucytosine

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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.
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.
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.

Flucytosine Side Effects

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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Flucytosine Interactions

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with flucytosine unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Before taking flucytosine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • amphotericin 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.

Flucytosine Dosage

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.
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.
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.