flucytosine

What is the most important information I should know about flucytosine?

What is flucytosine?

Flucytosine is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.

Flucytosine is used to treat serious fungal infections of the blood, lungs, heart, central nervous system, and urinary tract.

Flucytosine is sometimes given with another medicine called amphotericin B.

Flucytosine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flucytosine?

To make sure flucytosine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• a blood cell disorder or bone marrow disease;
• weak immune system (caused by radiation or by using medicine that causes bone marrow suppression); or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood).

How should I take flucytosine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

While using flucytosine, you may need frequent blood tests.

Flucytosine may cause nausea and vomiting. If you take more than one capsule per dose, swallow one capsule at a time over a 15-minute period to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine. Flucytosine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper stomach pain, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

What should I avoid while taking flucytosine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of flucytosine?

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing;
• chest pain;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum);
• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• problems with hearing;
• low potassium --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
• dry mouth; or
• skin rash.

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.

What other drugs will affect flucytosine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• clozapine;
• cytosine; or
• deferiprone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with flucytosine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about flucytosine.