What is Flucytosine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Flucytosine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ancobon

Generic Names:

  • Flucytosine

Uses:

  • Treats serious fungal infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antifungal

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Flucytosine come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Flucytosine doses?

  • Capsule 250MG

  • Capsule 500MG

Common Flucytosine prescriptions

  • Flucytosine
    250mg capsule

  • Flucytosine
    500mg capsule

How to take Flucytosine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • Keep taking the medicine for as long as your doctor has ordered, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.

  • This medicine may upset your stomach. If you take more than one capsule for each dose, wait a few minutes after taking the first capsule before you take the next one. This may help reduce nausea or stomach upset.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • Keep taking the medicine for as long as your doctor has ordered, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.

  • This medicine may upset your stomach. If you take more than one capsule for each dose, wait a few minutes after taking the first capsule before you take the next one. This may help reduce nausea or stomach upset.

What to do if you miss a dose of Flucytosine

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

Flucytosine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to flucytosine.

Flucytosine warnings

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Before you take flucytosine, make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney, liver, bone marrow, or blood disease or if you have been given anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause a rash or sunburn. Avoid being in the sun for long periods. Protect your skin with sunscreen and clothing when you are outside.

  • If this medicine makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid driving or using machinery.

  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes

  • Bloody urine or urinating less than one cup in a day

  • Chest pain

Flucytosine interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking cytarabine (Cytosar®).

  • Before you take flucytosine, make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney, liver, bone marrow, or blood disease or if you have been given anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause a rash or sunburn. Avoid being in the sun for long periods. Protect your skin with sunscreen and clothing when you are outside.

  • If this medicine makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid driving or using machinery.

Flucytosine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes

  • Bloody urine or urinating less than one cup in a day

  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

  • Unexplained fever or sore throat

  • Rash or hives

  • Trouble breathing

  • Chest pain

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dizziness or drowsiness

  • Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Headache