Flucytosine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat serious infections. These infections are caused by fungus (yeasts). Flucytosine is used with another antibiotic to treat meningitis.

How does it work?

• Flucytosine changes protein production of the fungus (yeast). It also affects genetic coding.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food to avoid nausea. Take a few capsules at a time over 15 minutes.
• A liquid is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Use caution if you have in kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• You will bleed easily. Be careful. Avoid injury.
• Avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen or like products, other blood thinners (warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamin E.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain, cramps, not hungry, or diarrhea.
• Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Decrease in amount of urine or trips to the bathroom.
• Signs of another infection.
• Severe belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, and not hungry.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store capsules in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
• If you are storing liquid in the refrigerator, throw away after 70 days.
• If you are storing liquid at room temperature, throw away after 14 days.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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