FLORACOR 50 mg/ ml INJECTION
FLUROURACIL
What it does
Flurouracil is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, especially skin cancer.
Commonly used for: skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), breast cancer, colorectal cancer
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:30:04 · updated 2026-10-21 04:02:22
About this medicine
Flurouracil is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, especially skin cancer.
What it treats
- skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma)
- breast cancer
- colorectal cancer
How it works
Flurouracil works by stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Who it's for
It is for patients diagnosed with specific cancers who need treatment to help manage their condition.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: flurouracil
Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite chemotherapy agent that is primarily used in the treatment of various cancers, including colorectal, breast, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. It is a pyrimidine analogue that inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, making it effective in targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Indications
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Basal cell carcinoma
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing information.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines as they vary depending on the treatment regimen and cancer type.
Mechanism of action
Fluorouracil works by inhibiting thymidylate synthase, an enzyme critical for the synthesis of thymidine, a nucleotide required for DNA replication and repair. By depleting thymidine levels, fluorouracil interferes with DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. It also incorporates into RNA, disrupting RNA functions.
Pharmacodynamics
Fluorouracil exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity, primarily affecting rapidly proliferating cells. Its effects can be enhanced by leucovorin, which stabilizes the binding of fluorouracil to thymidylate synthase, increasing its efficacy. The drug has a short half-life and its cytotoxic effects are more pronounced in tumor tissues due to higher proliferation rates.
Pharmacokinetics
Fluorouracil is administered intravenously and is rapidly metabolized in the liver, primarily by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) to inactive metabolites. The elimination half-life ranges from 8 to 20 minutes, with a significant amount of the drug being excreted in urine. The volume of distribution is approximately 0.5–1 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to flurouracil or any of its excipients
- Severe bone marrow suppression
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomatitis
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Myelosuppression
- Alopecia
- Dermatologic reactions
- Fatigue
Interactions
- Increased toxicity when used with other myelosuppressive agents
- May enhance the effects of anticoagulants, leading to increased bleeding risk
- Caution when used with agents that can cause renal impairment
Precautions
- Monitor blood counts regularly due to risk of myelosuppression
- Caution in patients with liver impairment
- Assess hydration status and renal function before treatment
- Use with caution in elderly patients
Pregnancy
Flurouracil is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects.
Breast-feeding
Flurouracil is not recommended during breastfeeding as it may be excreted in breast milk.
Storage
Store flurouracil in a cool, dry place away from light. Protect from moisture.
Formulations
- Topical cream
- Injection solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.