How does it work?

Flucytosine is an antifungal agent used to fight severe infections caused by yeast and fungi. It is converted inside fungal and yeast cells to a chemical, fluorouracil, which is capable of preventing DNA (genetic material) from being produced. Fungal cells are therefore prevented from multiplying and their growth is slowed down. Flucytosine is limited in that it is only effective against a small number of fungal infections. It is therefore often used in combination with other antifungal drugs such as amphotericin.

What is it used for?

Fungal infection throughout the body (systemic fungal infection)

Severe fungal infections in combination with other antifungal medications such as ampthotericin

Treatment of fungal (cryptococcal) meningitis in combination with another antifungal drug such as amphotericin

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to monitor their kidney and liver function.

Use with caution in

Blood disorders

Decreased kidney function

Elderly people

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Diarrhoea

Drowsiness

Confusion

Blood disorders

Seizures (convulsions)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)

Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Cytarabine (anti-cancer drug) possibly reduces blood levels of flucytosine. Flucytosine toxicity may be enhanced when given together with amphotericin.

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