Flucytosine: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Flucytosine is used to treat serious fungal infections in the body. Flucytosine belongs to the group of antifungal drugs. It is often used with other medications, which work by slowing the growth of certain types of fungus.

1. How to use Flucytosine

Take Flucytosine by mouth, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours), or as directed by your doctor. To relieve stomach upset, do not swallow all the capsules for one dose at once. It is best to take the medicine slowly over a period of 15 minutes until the dose is finished.
Flucytosine dosage is determined based on your medical condition, weight and response to treatment.
When the amount of medicine in your body is kept constant, this medicine will work at its best. Therefore, Flucytosine should be taken at regular intervals. To help you remember your dosing schedule, take Flucytosine at the same times each day.
Take Flucytosine until the prescribed amount is used up, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too soon can allow the fungus to continue to grow, leading to a re-infection.
Tell your doctor right away if your condition persists or gets worse.

2. Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur when you take Flucytosine. See the How to use section on the product packaging for stomach upset relief.
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 problems liver problems (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, rapid breathing, pale skin, heart palpitations) signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), signs of bleeding (such as easy bruising/bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bloody/black stools/ tar, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), muscle weakness/abdominal pain.
Some side effects can occur when taking Flucytosine medicine, including:
Anemia Low blood platelet count Low white blood cell count Hepatitis Allergic dermatitis Itching Skin rash Yellow eyes or skin due to Bilirubin accumulation called jaundice Decreased appetite Headache Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Severe abdominal pain

Some serious side effects such as
Bewilderment Hallucinations Increased sensitivity to sunlight Fever Fatigue Some rare side effects:
Low blood potassium Thrombocytopenia Low white blood cell count Elevated neutrophils eosinophils in the blood Parkinson's heart attack Ventricular arrhythmia Acute respiratory distress syndrome Duodenal ulcer Ulcerative colitis Inflammation of the small and large intestine Dead liver tissue Stomach or intestinal bleeding Toxic epidermal necrolysis Convulsions High levels of Bilirubin in the blood Shortness of breath Chest tightness Abnormal liver function tests Anemia due to bone marrow depression Low blood sugar Peripheral neuropathy Hearing loss Dry mouth Dizziness Loss of muscle coordination Tingling sensation on the skin Serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely with the use of Flucytosine. However, contact your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), sensation shortness of breath, severe dizziness.
If you experience any other unusual side effects after taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

3. Precautionary measures

Before taking flucytosine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. There may be inactive ingredients in Flucytosine, which could cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using this medicine, you need to share your medical history with your doctor: Kidney problems, liver problems, decreased bone marrow function, low blood cell counts (red blood cells or white blood cells). platelets, platelets), radiation therapy, mineral imbalances (such as low levels of potassium in the blood).
Prevent the spread of infection by regularly washing your hands. Limit contact with people who have infections that can spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to the infection or for more details.
Without the consent of the doctor, do not vaccinate / vaccinate. Contact with people who have recently received a live vaccine (such as an inhaled flu vaccine) should be avoided.
Use caution with sharp objects such as razors and nail clippers to reduce the risk of scratching, bruising or injury.
As you age, kidney function declines. Therefore, older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Flucytosine.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed and under the specific guidance of a doctor. This medicine is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It can harm an unborn baby.
Breastfeeding women are also not recommended to use this drug.

4. Interaction

If you use other drugs or herbal products at the same time, the effects of some drugs may change. This may increase the risk of serious side effects or may prevent the medicine from working correctly. While this is not always the case, you may experience interactions between these drugs. Your doctor can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by closely monitoring them.
To help your doctor come up with the best treatment plan, be sure to tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products) before starting start treatment with flucytosine. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any other medicines you are taking without your doctor's approval while taking Flucytosine.
Flucytosine may interact with a number of products, including: Cytarabine, other drugs that can affect the kidneys (including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen), other drugs that decrease bone marrow function or decrease the number of blood cell counts or a weakened immune system (such as with cancer chemotherapy, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).
Several other interactions can occur when you take medications, so share all the products you take with your doctor.
If you overdose on Flucytosine and experience shortness of breath or fainting, call 911 immediately.
Do not use Flucytosine with others.
Certain medical tests (such as kidney and liver function, blood to cells, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor disease status or check for medication side effects.
Flucytosine should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

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Reference source: webmd.com