Flucytosine
Generic name: flucytosine [ floo-SYE-toe-seen ]
Brand name: Ancobon
Dosage form: oral capsule (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antifungals
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.
Warnings
Before you take flucytosine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use flucytosine if you are allergic to it.
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).
It is not known whether flucytosine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether flucytosine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
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.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
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.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.