Flucytosine

Flucytosine is an antifungal medication that works by converting to metabolites such as 5-fluorouracil, which inhibits protein and nucleic acid synthesis.  Flucytosine is generally administered and works synergistically with amphotericin B as the pores in the cell wall caused by amphotericin B allow for influx of flucytosine.  Resistance arises in the form of decreased levels or activity of enzymes that activate flucytosine.  Adverse effects include neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, bone marrow suppression, and enterocolitis.  

Class Drugs

Flucytosine

Class Mechanism of Action

Converted to metabolites including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and others, which inhibits protein and nucleic acid synthesis

Works synergistically with amphotericin B as pores made by amphotericin B allow more influx of flucytosine

Fungistatic

Class Application

Used in combination with amphotericin B for systemic infections

Candidiasis

Cryptococcus neoformans

Class Adverse Effects

Resistance

• Decreased level or function of enzymes that metabolize flucytosine to active metabolites

Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia

Bone marrow suppression

Enterocolitis

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Flucytosine			"Flu Shot" "Cyborg" "Toe"