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Introduction About CYTOFLU 500 TABLET
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET contains Flucytosine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antifungals. It is used to manage severe fungal infections caused by yeast and fungus. It can be used with combination with other medications such as amphotericin B to manage yeast and fungal infections that affect the entire body.
Prior to the management your doctor will perform blood tests to determine the hematologic, renal status and electrolyte levels (because of decrease in potassium levels) and frequent monitoring of liver, kidney and hematopoietic system is recommended during therapy.
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is not recommended in patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency. Contact your doctor before taking.
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems (such as hepatitis), kidney problems or on dialysis, blood dyscrasias or bone marrow depression, history of radiation therapy, hematologic disease, low immunity, herpes infection. Contact your doctor before taking.
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women or planning to be pregnant, unless considered necessary, it has harmful effect to unborn child. Contact your doctor before taking. CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Contact your doctor before taking it.
Your doctor will choose the most appropriate dose according to the child’s age and body weight. Consult your doctor before giving CYTOFLU 500 TABLET to the child.
The most common side effects of taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rashes. Contact your doctor if your symptoms got worse.
Uses Of CYTOFLU 500 TABLET
- Manage severe fungal infections caused by yeast and fungus
How CYTOFLU 500 TABLET Works
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET works by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA and DNA and stops the growth of fungus leading to death. Thus, managing fungal infection.
How to use CYTOFLU 500 TABLET
Take CYTOFLU 500 TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicines with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Depending on your age, body weight and medical state, your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration for you.
Side Effects Of CYTOFLU 500 TABLET
Common
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- skin rash
How To Manage Side Effects
Diarrhoea:
Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Contact your doctor if the diarrhoea did not improve.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Take the medicine, with or just after a meal. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy food. If the nausea and vomiting does not improve, consult your doctor.
Skin rash:
Hot water can irritate the skin, so avoid taking hot showers. Do not scratch the affected area. Contact your doctor if the rashes did not improve.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women, unless considered necessary, it has harmful effect to unborn child. Contact your doctor before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET.
Breastfeeding
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Contact your doctor before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET.
Kidney
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney failure or patients on haemodialysis. Contact your doctor before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET.
Liver
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases (such as hepatitis). Contact your doctor before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET.
Allergy
Do not take CYTOFLU 500 TABLET if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Flucytosine or to other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is not recommended for use if you have:
- dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency
Before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have blood dyscrasias or bone marrow depression
- are receiving radiation therapy
- have hematologic disease
- have low immunity
- have herpes infection
Use in pediatrics:
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is not suitable for children under 6 years of age (who often have difficulty swallowing them due to their size). In this case, it can be crushed to facilitate administration. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate dose according to the child’s age and body weight. Consult your doctor before giving CYTOFLU 500 TABLET to the child.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- brivudine and sorivudine (medicines used to manage herpes zoster infection)
- zidovudine (used to manage HIV)
- cytosine arabinoside (cytarabine) used to manage cancer such as lymphomas and leukaemia
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of CYTOFLU 500 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms include, gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), hematologic (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) and liver damage (hepatitis) may become more common with prolonged serum concentrations.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Flucytosine |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Antifungals |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Severe fungal infections |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep CYTOFLU 500 TABLET out of the sight and reach of children
- Store CYTOFLU 500 TABLET below 25°C
FAQs About CYTOFLU 500 TABLET
Can I use CYTOFLU 500 TABLET in pregnancy?
No, CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women or planning to be pregnant, unless considered necessary, it has harmful effect to unborn child. Contact your doctor before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET.
What are the parameters to be monitored while taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET?
Prior to the management your doctor will perform blood tests to determine the hematologic, renal status and electrolyte levels (because of decrease in potassium levels) and frequent monitoring of liver, kidney and hematopoietic system is recommended during therapy.
How CYTOFLU 500 TABLET work?
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET works by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA and DNA. It stops the growth and kills the fungal organism, thus manages the fungal infection
Can I use CYTOFLU 500 TABLET while breast feeding?
No, CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Contact your doctor before taking CYTOFLU 500 TABLET.
Is CYTOFLU 500 TABLET safe?
CYTOFLU 500 TABLET is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Antifungal Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 791.
2. John E. Bennett. Antifungal Agents. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 1571.
3. Rachel L. Wattier, William J. Steinbach. Antifungal Agents. Principles and practice of pediatric infectious diseases . 2018. [Accessed on 3rd August 2022] https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00293-0
4. Icn Polfa Rzeszow Spolka Akcyjna. Flucytosine [Revised in August 2020] [Accessed on 3rd August 2022] https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/sites/default/files/HA693part3v4.pdf
5. Cipla Ltd. Flucytosine. [Revised in February 2019] [Accessed on 3rd August 2022] https://ciplamed.com/content/cytorx-tablets
6. Jolly Healthcare. Flucytosine. [Accessed on 3rd August 2022] https://www.jollyrx.com/product/cytoflu-flucytosine-500mg-tab-
7. Flucytosine. Mims.com. [Accessed on 3rd August 2022] https://www.mims.com/india/drug/info/flucytosine?type=full&mtype=generic
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- complete blood count
- kidney function test
- liver function test






