FLUCYTOSINE - ORAL

FLUCYTOSINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (flew-SYE-toe-seen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ancobon

GENERIC NAME(S): flucytosine

Uses

USES: Flucytosine is used to treat serious fungal infections in the body. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifungal drugs. It is often used with other medications. It works by slowing the growth of certain types of fungus.


How to use FLUCYTOSINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours), or as directed by your doctor. To reduce stomach upset, do not swallow all of the capsules for one dose at the same time. It may be best to swallow the capsules for each dose over a 15-minute period until the full dose is taken. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor right away if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. See the How to Use section about how to reduce stomach upset. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, fast breathing, pale skin, fast heartbeat), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), signs of bleeding (such as easy bruising/bleeding, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), muscle weakness/cramping. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking flucytosine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, decreased bone marrow function, a low number of blood cells (red or white blood cells, platelets), radiation treatment, mineral imbalance (such as low level of potassium in the blood). Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. It may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cytarabine, other drugs that may affect the kidneys (including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen), other drugs that decrease bone marrow function or lower your number of blood cells or weaken the immune system (such as cancer chemotherapy, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including serum creatinine), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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FLUCYTOSINE 250 MG CAPSULE

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FLUCYTOSINE 500 MG CAPSULE

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Faq for FLUCYTOSINE - ORAL

Flucytosine is an antifungal medication used to treat certain types of fungal infections, including cryptococcal meningitis and severe candida infections.

Flucytosine works by interfering with the synthesis of fungal DNA and RNA, thereby inhibiting the growth of the fungus.

Common side effects of flucytosine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and skin rash. It may also cause bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased white blood cell and platelet counts.

Flucytosine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It should be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Flucytosine is usually taken orally as capsules or tablets. It is typically taken every 6 hours with or without food. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by the prescribing healthcare provider.

Yes, there are several medications that may interact with flucytosine, including certain antibiotics, antiviral medications, and medications that affect the bone marrow. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to prevent potential interactions.

The time it takes for flucytosine to work will depend on the specific fungal infection being treated. In general, improvement may be seen within a few days to a few weeks. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the doctor.

Yes, flucytosine can be used in children, but the dosage and safety may vary based on the child's age and weight. It is important to consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing instructions.

If you miss a dose of flucytosine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.


Warning

WARNING: This medication should be used with increased caution if you have kidney problems. Flucytosine may cause decreased kidney function and liver problems. In addition, this medication may decrease bone marrow function. This serious, possibly life-threatening side effect may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, and cause bleeding problems. Your doctor will check the results of your kidney, liver, and blood tests and adjust your treatment to reduce your risk for these side effects. See also Side Effects section.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.