Flucytosine
Trade Name:
Ancobon
Type of Drug:
Flucytosine is an antifungal drug used to treat fungus infections.
How Drug Works:
Flucytosine interferes with cell division and prevents fungus from reproducing.
How Drug Is Given:
Flucytosine is given as a capsule by mouth in 4 divided doses a day. Take with a full glass of water. Do not crush or open the capsule. If you get sick to your stomach and if you are taking more than 1 capsule at a time, try spacing them out over 15 minutes. Also, remember to take your antinausea medicine 1 hour before the dose. The dose depends on the infection being treated and how well your kidneys are working. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine"prescription or nonprescription"without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
All drugs used to fight microorganisms can cause allergic reactions. Stop the drug and tell your nurse or doctor right away if you develop a rash, hives, red blotches on your skin, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness.
The risks and benefits of the drug should be carefully considered before using it in women who are pregnant.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Sore throat
  • Sores in mouth or on lips
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
Less Common Side Effects
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of anemia and tiredness (fatigue)
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Increase in liver function blood tests
Rare Side Effects
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Bowel rupture following severe diarrhea
  • Redness of skin
  • Itching
  • Abdominal pain
  • Confusion
  • Sleepiness
  • Headache
  • Fever
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Stop the drug and call your doctor or nurse right away if you get redness of the skin, itching, fever, increased heart rate, dizziness, and/or abdominal pain. Your doctor needs to evaluate you.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: Yes