Flucytosine (By mouth)
floo-SYE-toe-seen
Treats serious fungal infections.
Drug classes
Antifungal (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Flucytosine belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It is used to treat certain fungus infections.
Flucytosine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Capsule
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.
If a dose is missed:
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.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking cytarabine (Cytosar®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to 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.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Unexplained fever or sore throat
Rash or hives
Trouble breathing
Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Bloody urine or urinating less than one cup in a day
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
Dizziness or drowsiness
Mild diarrhea
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ancobon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.