2022-85-7 | Flucytosine

CAS:2022-85-7 | Flucytosine ,Description

Flucytosine (5-fluorocytosine, 5-FC) is an antifungal drug used to treat systemic fungal infections. It is a synthetic purine analog that is structurally similar to the natural nucleoside cytosine. Flucytosine is a prodrug that is converted to the active form, 5-fluorouracil, by cytosine deaminase enzymes in fungal cells. Flucytosine is used in combination with other antifungal agents, such as amphotericin B, to treat systemic fungal infections.
 

Scientific Research Applications

Antifungal Therapy in Immunocompromised Patients

Flucytosine, in combination with amphotericin B, has been evaluated for its efficacy in treating deeply invasive mycoses in immunocompromised patients, including those with cancer or aplastic anemia. The combination has shown to eradicate mycosis in a significant proportion of patients, highlighting its potential as a tolerable treatment option when serum flucytosine levels are monitored (P. Francis & T. Walsh, 1992).

Pharmacology, Clinical Indications, and Drug Interactions

Flucytosine's pharmacology, clinical indications, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and drug interactions have been extensively reviewed. Originally synthesized in 1957, it has no intrinsic antifungal capacity but is converted into metabolites that inhibit fungal RNA and DNA synthesis upon uptake by susceptible fungal cells. Its use in combination with amphotericin B for treating severe systemic mycoses demonstrates the importance of understanding its pharmacodynamics and potential for drug interactions, especially with nephrotoxic drugs (A. Vermes, H. Guchelaar, & J. Dankert, 2000).

Mechanisms of Action and Resistance

Understanding the mechanisms of action and resistance is crucial for optimizing Flucytosine's use in antifungal therapy. Studies have identified genes conferring resistance to Flucytosine in S. cerevisiae, which can inform treatment strategies for Candida glabrata and other fungal pathogens. This research underscores the importance of exploring new mechanisms of resistance to enhance therapeutic efficacy (Catarina Costa et al., 2015).

Treatment of Genitourinary Candidiasis

Flucytosine has been used in treating genitourinary candidiasis, demonstrating high eradication rates in patients. This application highlights Flucytosine's potential beyond systemic mycoses, offering an effective treatment option for localized infections. The success in treating genitourinary candidiasis underscores the versatility of Flucytosine in antifungal therapy (G. Wise, P. Kozinn, & P. Goldberg, 1980).

Kinetics in Patients with Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of Flucytosine in patients with normal and impaired renal function have been studied to optimize dosing and minimize toxicity. These studies are essential for tailoring Flucytosine therapy to individual patient needs, particularly in populations with varying degrees of renal function (R. Cutler, A. Blair, & M. R. Kelly, 1978).

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