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.