Flucytosine (Ancotil)

Flucytosine (Ancotil) is one of the older anti-fungal drugs. It is sometimes used alongside amphotericin (Fungilin / Fungizone) for treating severe candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis or other severe fungal infections. It is also being tested in combination with the newer anti-fungal agents fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox): adding flucytosine to these drugs can improve treatment outcomes in HIV-positive patients.1 2

Side-effects can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, elevated liver enzymes, blood disorders, confusion and headache.

Flucytosine does not interact with any currently available protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Flucytosine is manufactured by Valeant.

References

  1. Mayanja-KIzza H et al. Combination therapy with fluconazole and flucytosine for cryptococcal meningitis in Ugandan patients with AIDS. Clin Infect Dis 26: 1362-1366, 1998
  2. Larsen RA et al. Fluconazole combined with flucytosine for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with AIDS. Clin Infect Dis 19: 741-745, 1994

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