5-Fluril
Generic Name
Fluorouracil
Manufacturer
Example Manufacturer Inc.
Country
Global (produced in many countries)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5 fluril 25 mg injection | ৳ 55.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
5-Fluril is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) agent containing Fluorouracil, primarily used in the treatment of various solid tumors. It interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis, inhibiting cell growth.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Highly variable, typically 400-600 mg/m² intravenously as a bolus or continuous infusion, often in combination with other agents, adjusted based on protocol and patient tolerance. (Note: A 25 mg total dose as implied by the drug name is highly unusual for typical IV use, likely specific to a particular indication, very dilute solution, or unit pack size.)
Elderly
Similar to adults, but with careful monitoring and potential dose reduction due to decreased organ function and increased toxicity risk.
Renal_impairment
Generally no dose adjustment needed for mild-moderate impairment; caution and monitoring required for severe impairment or end-stage renal disease.
How to Take
Intravenous (IV) injection or infusion. Must be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting. Avoid extravasation.
Mechanism of Action
Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine analog that acts as an antimetabolite. It is converted intracellularly to active metabolites that incorporate into DNA and RNA, and inhibit thymidylate synthase, thus blocking DNA synthesis and RNA function, leading to cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Not immediate; requires cellular metabolism for activation. Therapeutic effects typically observed over days to weeks of treatment.
Excretion
Mainly via lungs as CO2 (60-80%), renal excretion of unchanged drug (5-20%).
Half life
Approximately 10-20 minutes (biphasic elimination with terminal half-life of 20 hours for active metabolites).
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration, distributed widely into tissues including tumors.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, via dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) to inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe bone marrow depression
- Known dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency
- Severe infection
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Previous severe reactions to fluorouracil
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May increase anticoagulant effect.
Phenytoin
Increased phenytoin levels and toxicity.
Leucovorin
Enhances the cytotoxic effects of fluorouracil.
Cimetidine, Metronidazole, Allopurinol
May increase fluorouracil toxicity by affecting metabolism.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted or diluted solutions may require refrigeration and have shorter stability.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe myelosuppression, mucositis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and neurotoxicity. Management is supportive, including antiemetics, antidiarrheals, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) for myelosuppression. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category D for pregnancy (evidence of fetal risk). Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential for severe fetal harm and excretion into breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe bone marrow depression
- Known dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency
- Severe infection
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Previous severe reactions to fluorouracil
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May increase anticoagulant effect.
Phenytoin
Increased phenytoin levels and toxicity.
Leucovorin
Enhances the cytotoxic effects of fluorouracil.
Cimetidine, Metronidazole, Allopurinol
May increase fluorouracil toxicity by affecting metabolism.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted or diluted solutions may require refrigeration and have shorter stability.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe myelosuppression, mucositis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and neurotoxicity. Management is supportive, including antiemetics, antidiarrheals, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) for myelosuppression. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category D for pregnancy (evidence of fetal risk). Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential for severe fetal harm and excretion into breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years when stored unopened. Refer to product label for specific expiry.
Availability
Hospitals, specialized oncology clinics, pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available (original patent expired)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for various cancers, often as a component of combination chemotherapy regimens (e.g., FOLFOX, FOLFIRI for colorectal cancer).
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential (before each cycle and regularly during treatment)
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Renal function tests (RFTs)
- Electrolytes
- DPD enzyme activity (if available/indicated for toxicity risk)
Doctor Notes
- Careful monitoring of CBC and symptoms of toxicity is crucial, especially in DPD deficient patients or those with impaired renal/hepatic function.
- Consider prophylactic antiemetics.
- Ensure patient understanding of potential severe side effects and when to seek immediate medical attention.
Patient Guidelines
- Report any fever, bleeding, bruising, mouth sores, or severe diarrhea immediately.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment.
- Do not receive live vaccines without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
Contact healthcare provider immediately. Dosing schedules for chemotherapy are strict and deviations should be managed by a clinician.
Driving Precautions
May cause fatigue, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Advise caution or avoidance of driving/operating machinery if affected.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain hydration.
- Eat a balanced diet, consulting with a dietitian if needed.
- Get adequate rest.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen due to photosensitivity.
- Avoid alcohol.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.