5-FLOUROURACIL SOLUTION FOR INJECTION (Each vial contains 5-Flourouracil 1000mg/20ml)
5-Flourouracil
What it does
5-fluorouracil is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.
Commonly used for: cancer of the breast, cancer of the colon, cancer of the stomach, skin cancer (including actinic keratosis)
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: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:37:16 · updated 2026-10-20 04:00:05
About this medicine
5-fluorouracil is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.
What it treats
- cancer of the breast
- cancer of the colon
- cancer of the stomach
- skin cancer (including actinic keratosis)
How it works
It works by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to grow and multiply.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults who have been diagnosed with specific cancers.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: 5flourouracil
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antineoplastic agent that belongs to the class of antimetabolites. It is primarily used in the treatment of various solid tumors, including colorectal, breast, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. 5-FU mimics the structure of uracil, a nucleobase, interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which ultimately inhibits tumor cell growth and proliferation.
Indications
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Basal cell carcinoma (topical use)
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF
Adults: Refer to specific clinical guidelines for dosing as it varies based on the type of cancer and treatment regimen.
Mechanism of action
5-Fluorouracil is converted into several active metabolites, including 5-fluoro-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP), which binds irreversibly to thymidylate synthase, inhibiting the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to thymidine monophosphate (dTMP). This inhibition leads to a decrease in thymidine and subsequently impairs DNA synthesis and repair, resulting in cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of 5-Fluorouracil involve its action as a pyrimidine analog, affecting the synthesis of nucleic acids. It exhibits a dose-dependent cytotoxicity, particularly against rapidly proliferating cells. The drug's effectiveness is influenced by the presence of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), an enzyme that metabolizes 5-FU; patients with deficiencies in this enzyme may experience increased toxicity.
Pharmacokinetics
5-Fluorouracil is administered intravenously and has a rapid distribution phase, with a volume of distribution of approximately 0.4 to 0.8 L/kg. It is primarily metabolized in the liver, with a half-life of about 10 to 20 minutes. The drug is eliminated through urine, with a small percentage excreted unchanged. Its pharmacokinetics can vary based on the administration route, dosage, and patient-specific factors such as liver function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to 5-fluorouracil or any of its components
- Severe bone marrow depression
- Pregnancy, except in specific cases where benefits outweigh risks
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mucositis
- Stomatitis
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Myelosuppression
- Alopecia
- Dermatitis
- Hepatotoxicity
Interactions
- Increased toxicity with other myelosuppressive agents
- Enhanced effects when used with radiotherapy
- Potential interaction with anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with liver impairment
- Monitor blood counts regularly during treatment
- Avoid use in patients with significant infections
- Consider potential for increased toxicity in elderly patients
Pregnancy
5-fluorouracil is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects. Use only if the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether 5-fluorouracil is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised, and breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Protect from freezing.
Formulations
- Injectable solution
- Topical cream
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.