Flucytosine, also known by its generic name 5-Fluorocytosine, is a pharmaceutical substance primarily used in the treatment of fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida and Cryptococcus species. Its chemical structure consists of a cytosine base with a fluorine atom at the 5-position, hence its name.
The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number for Flucytosine is 2022-85-7. It is available in various dosage forms, including oral tablets and capsules. Flucytosine is an antifungal agent that works by inhibiting the synthesis of fungal DNA and RNA, thereby disrupting the growth and replication of the fungal cells.
Upon oral administration, Flucytosine is readily absorbed into the bloodstream and widely distributed throughout the body. It undergoes enzymatic conversion by cytosine deaminase within the fungal cells into its active form, 5-fluorouracil. 5-fluorouracil functions by inhibiting thymidylate synthase, an essential enzyme for the synthesis of DNA.
Flucytosine is frequently used in combina
