Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil is antineoplastic or anticancer drug. Fluorouracil is a fluorinated pyrimidine antimetabolite that resembles uracil, with a fluorine atom substituted for the 5-methyl group. It belongs to a class of antimetabolite. Antimetabolite are the compound that bear a structural similarity to a naturally occuring substances, such as vitamins, nucleosides or amino acids. Fluorouracil is effective in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. Fluorouracil is used in combination with different anticancer drugs to obtain most excellent therapeutic effects and to reduce toxicity or side effects.

Brands
UTORAL UTORAL PHARMAURACIL PHARMAURACIL FLURACIL FLURACIL CURACIL SECOURACIL 5-FU FLUOROURACIL FLUOROURACIL FIVUFLU FIVUFLU
Adult Dose
Dose: 350 to 525 mg
Single Dose: 440 (437.5)
Frequency: 24 hourly
Route: Intra Arterial
Instructions:
Neonatal
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Paedriatic
Dose: 6 mg/kg
Single Dose: 6 (6)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: Intra Venous
Instructions: Maintenance, on alternate days for 4 doses
Characteristics
Fluorouracil also known as 5-FU. . It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Pyrimidine. It belongs to Thymidylate kinase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antineoplastic Agnet, Antimetabolite pharmacological group.The Molecular Weight of Fluorouracil is 130.10. Its pKa is 8.15.
Contraindications
Fluorouracil
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Fluorouracil, which give rise to further complications include Hemorrhagic complications.Fluorouracil produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Thrombocytopenia, Hematological abnormalities, Conjunctivitis, Cardiac ischemia, Bilirubin elevation, Neurological syndrome. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Fluorouracil therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Fluorouracil include Hematological toxicity.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Fluorouracil are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include GI reactions, Hypersensitivity reactions, Cutaneous hyperpigmentation, Cerebral ataxia.
Indications
Fluorouracil is primarily indicated in conditions like Bladder carcinoma, Breast cancer, Carcinoma of colon, Carcinoma of stomach, Cervical carcinoma, Head and neck cancer, Liver carcinoma, Pancreatic cancer, Solid tumor.
Interactions
Fluorouracil is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAllopurinolCimetidine (HCl)CisplatinFolinic AcidMedroxyprogesterone (Acetate)MethotrexateMetronidazoleMitomycin CNeomycinPaclitaxelRotavirus vaccineThe administration of live, attenuated virus or bacterial vaccines during immunosuppressant or intense antineoplastic therapy may be associated with a risk of disseminated infection due to enhanced replication of vaccine virus or bacteria in the presence of diminished immune competence. Patients may be immunosuppressed if they have recently received Fluorouracil.MajorIn general, live virus or bacterial vaccines should not be used in patients receiving Fluorouracil.SecnidazoleStreptozotocinThiamine HCl (Vitamin B1)People receiving fluorouracil-containing chemotherapy regimens may be at risk for developing symptoms and signs of thiamin deficiency.Tice-BCGFluorouracil may increase the risk of serious, life-threatening infections when given concurrently with Tice-BCG.TorasemideFluorouracil, a strong CYP2C9 inhibitor, may increase the serum concentration of Torasemide, a CYP2C9 substrate, by decreasing Torasemide metabolism and clearance. Consider alternate therapy or monitor for changes in the therapeutic and adverse effects of Torasemide if Fluorouracil is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.VORICONAZOLEFluorouracil may increase the serum concentration of voriconazole by decreasing its metabolism. Monitor for changes in the therapeutic and adverse effects of voriconazole if fluorouracil is initiated, discontinued or dose changed These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
False positive bilirubin elevation test
Risks
Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Inj Store Below 40°C. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight. Oint Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C.
Warnings
Fluorouracil should be used with caution in patients with any allergy (especially drug allergies), any blood disorders (bone marrow problems) or serious infections.This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.
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