FLUCYTOSINE Meaning and
Definition
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Flucytosine is a synthetic antifungal medication commonly used in the treatment of serious systemic fungal infections. It is also known by its trade name Ancobon.
Flucytosine works by inhibiting the synthesis of fungal DNA and RNA, thereby disrupting their normal cellular function and replication. It belongs to the class of medications known as antimetabolites. This drug is primarily used in combination with other antifungal agents, such as amphotericin B, to enhance its efficacy and prevent the development of drug resistance.
Flucytosine is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration and widely distributed throughout the body, including in cerebrospinal fluid. It is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, thus requiring dose adjustments in patients with renal impairment.
This medication is particularly effective against certain types of aggressive fungal infections, including those caused by Candida and Cryptococcus species. It is often reserved for severe or refractory fungal infections due to its potential side effects and the risk of developing resistance in monotherapy.
Common side effects of flucytosine can include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less frequently, reversible bone marrow suppression, which can result in anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, may occur. As with any medication, allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, and renal impairment could also be potential adverse effects.
It is essential to use flucytosine under the supervision of a healthcare professional due to its potential toxicity and the need for monitoring blood cell counts and liver and kidney function during treatment.
Common Misspellings for FLUCYTOSINE
- dlucytosine
- clucytosine
- vlucytosine
- glucytosine
- tlucytosine
- rlucytosine
- fkucytosine
- fpucytosine
- foucytosine
- flycytosine
- flhcytosine
- fljcytosine
- flicytosine
- fl8cytosine
- fl7cytosine
- fluxytosine
- fluvytosine
- flufytosine
- fludytosine
- flucttosine
Etymology of FLUCYTOSINE
The word "Flucytosine" has a compound origin, combining elements from two different sources:
1. "Flu-" is derived from "Fluorine". Fluorine is a chemical element, and in this context, it refers to the presence of fluorine in the chemical structure of flucytosine.
2. "Cytosine" is a nucleobase found in DNA and RNA. It is one of the four building blocks of DNA, along with adenine, guanine, and thymine. Cytosine is derived from the Greek word "kutos", meaning "cell" or "hollow vessel", which refers to its presence in the cells' genetic material.
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