Flucytosine

Also known as 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), is an antifungal medication.

It is specifically used, together with amphotericin B, for serious Candida infections and cryptococcosis.

It may be used by itself or with other antifungals for chromomycosis.

Flucytosine is used by mouth and by injection into a vein.

Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and psychosis.

Anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions occasionally occur.

It is unclear if use in pregnancy is safe for the baby.

Flucytosine is in the fluorinated pyrimidine analogue family of medications.

It works by being converted into fluorouracil inside the fungus which then blocks its ability to make protein.

Flucytosine was first made in 1957.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[5] As of 2016, in the United States the medication cost about 2,000 USD per day while in the United Kingdom it is about 22 USD per day.

It is not available in much of the developing world.

Treatment for brain abscess from Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus sp., Candida sp.: Liposomal Amphotericin B 3-4 mg/kg IV daily + Flucytosine 25 mg/kg PO QID.