Indications |
Oral Palliative treatment of carcinoma of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach or pancreas Adult: 15 mg/kg (max: 1 g/day), may be given once wkly for maintenance. Max Dosage: 1 g/wk. Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be required. Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be required. Intravenous Palliative treatment of carcinoma of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach or pancreas Adult: 12 mg/kg/day (max 0.8-1g/day) for 3-4 days, if no toxicity occurs, may follow after 1 day with 6 mg/kg on alternate days for another 3-4 doses. Course may be repeated after 4-6 wk or maintenance doses of 5-15 mg/kg/wk (max 1g/wk) may be given. As an infusion, 15 mg/kg/day (max: 1 g daily) in 500 ml normal saline or 5% glucose over 4 hr, repeated on successive days until toxicity occurs or a total of 12-15 g is given. May repeat course after 4-6 wk. Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be required. Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be required. Intra-arterial Palliative treatment of carcinoma of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach or pancreas Adult: 5-7.5 mg/kg daily as continuous infusion (regional perfusion). Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be required. Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be required. Topical/Cutaneous Actinic keratoses Adult: As 0.5-5% cream or 1-5% solution in propylene glycol: Apply once or twice daily for 2-4 wk. Hgher strengths may be used for at least 3-6 wk in superficial basal cell carcinoma. Topical/Cutaneous Superficial basal cell carcinoma Adult: As 0.5-5% cream or 1-5% solution in propylene glycol: Apply once or twice daily for 2-4 wk. Hgher strengths may be used for at least 3-6 wk in superficial basal cell carcinoma. Special Populations: Dose should be halved in patients with poor nutritional status, impaired bone marrow, hepatic or renal function and within 30 days of major surgery. |
Contraindications |
Topical application on mucous membranes, exposure to sunlight, hypersensitivity. Depressed bone marrow function, poor nutritional status, potentially serious infections. Pregnancy and lactation. |
Warnings / Precautions |
Regular monitoring of blood counts. History of heart disease, hepatic or renal insufficiency, weak or malnourished patients, patients who with history of high-dose pelvic radiation or use of alkylating agents. Patients with widespread metastases to the bone marrow. |
Adverse Reactions |
Leucopenia, thrombocytopaenia, stomatitis, GI ulceration, bleeding and diarrhoea, haemorrhage from any site (stop treatment). Nausea, vomiting, rashes, hyperpigmentation, alopecia. Topical: Local inflammatory and photosensitivity reactions. Dermatitis and erythema multiforme (rare). Potentially Fatal: Central neurotoxicity, myocardial ischaemia. |
Drug Interactions |
May increase warfarin effects. May reduce response to vaccines; possibility of generalized infection with live vaccines. Action may be modified by allopurinol. Leucovorin calcium may enhance the toxicity of fluorouracil. See Below for More fluorouracil Drug Interactions |
Mechanism of Actions |
Fluorouracil interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking the conversion of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid. It also interferes with RNA synthesis. This results in an unbalanced growth of the cells. Fluorouracil exerts greater effect on rapidly growing cells as they take up the drug at a faster rate. Absorption: Unpredictable (oral); small amounts (topical). Distribution: Body tissues and fluids, including blood-brain barrier. Metabolism: Hepatic; catabolysed via dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase. Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug); lungs (large amounts as carbon dioxide). |
Storage Conditions |
Intra-arterial: Store at 25°C. Intravenous: Store at 25°C. Oral: Store at 25°C. |
ATC Classification |
L01BC02 - fluorouracil ; Belongs to the class of antimetabolites, pyrimidine analogues. Used in the treatment of cancer. |
Storage |
Intra-arterial: Store at 25°C. Intravenous: Store at 25°C. Oral: Store at 25°C. |
Available As |
|
5-Fluorouracil
Post Review about 5-Fluorouracil Click here to cancel reply.
5-Fluorouracil Containing Brands
5-Fluorouracil is used in following diseases
Drug - Drug Interactions of 5-Fluorouracil
Latest News
- FDA approves Ruconest for treatment of hereditary angioedema
- FDA recommend against aspirin to prevent First Heart Attacks
- FDA approves Pomalyst (pomalidomide) for advanced multiple myeloma
- FDA approves three new drug treatments for type 2 diabetes
- Long-term consequences of vaginal delivery on the pelvic floor
No comments yet.