Fluorouracil, Inj
Cytostatic · Antimetabolite
Indications
Palliative management of colon, rectum, breast, stomach & pancreatic carcinomas.
Dosage
Palliative Management of Colon, Rectum, Breast, Stomach & Pancreatic Carcinomas: Adults: Initial: 12 mg/kg/day (up to 800 mg/day) x 4 days, then 6 mg/kg on days 6, 8, 10 & 12. Maintenance: Either repeat initial dose every 30 day or after toxic signs subside, give 10-15 mg/kg/wk as a single dose (up to 1 gm/wk). Children: Not recommended.
Administration
IV: Formulation may be given orally mixed in water, grape juice, or carbonated beverage. It is generally best to drink undiluted solution, then rinse the mouth. Coca-Cola has been recommended as the “best chaser” for oral fluorouracil. IV: Irritant. Direct IVP injection (50 mg/mL solution needs no further dilution) or by IV Infusion. Toxicity may be reduced by giving the drug as a constant infusion. Bolus doses may be administered by slow IVP or IVP Bolus. Further dilution in D5W or NS at concentrations of 0.5-10 mg/mL are stable for 72 hours at 4°C-25°C. Compatibility: Stable in D5LR, D5W, NS. Stability: Store at 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use. Discard any unused portion.
Adverse Effects
Dermatitis, rash, alopecia, GI upset, leukopenia, myelo-suppression.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Depressed bone marrow function, thrombocytopenia, serious infection, major surgery. Precautions: Impaired renal or liver function.
Advice to Patient
Contact prescriber if there is nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, sore throat, pain or burning on urination, vaginal discharge or itching, mouth sores, fatigue, dark stool, blood in stools, unusual bruising or bleeding, change in vision, chest pain, palpitations, difficulty in breathing, mental or emotional changes. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Take small, frequent meals to maintain good nutritional status. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infection. Avoid direct sunlight, use protective clothing, wear sunscreen and eyewear to prevent photosensitivity.
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Following bolus infusion: 8 to 20 minutes. Excretion: Urine (5% to 20% as unchanged drug within 6 hours; metabolites over 3 to 4 hours).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.