Fluorodeoxyuridine
Fluorodeoxyuridine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Fluorodeoxyuridine is a brand name. Its generic name is Floxuridine.
Fluorodeoxyuridine
Fluorodeoxyuridine is an antimetabolite medication used to treat cancers of the gastrointestinal tract such as colorectal cancer. It is also used to treat some cancers such as cancers of the breast, brain, and liver. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells so that they can't replicate and spread.
Uses For
Fluorodeoxyuridine is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the colon or rectum). It is also used to treat pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, and certain other types of cancer.
Mechanism Of Action
Fluorodeoxyuridine works by blocking the cells' ability to use the building blocks of DNA (nucleotides) to create new strands of DNA. This prevents the cells from replicating and dividing. The drug also causes cell death by preventing the cells from making the energy they need to survive.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Fluorodeoxyuridine may work shortly after starting treatment, however it can take several weeks or months for the drug to fully take effect. During this time, the cancer cells may continue to divide and spread.
Absorption
Fluorodeoxyuridine is slowly absorbed from the intestine after oral administration. After receiving floxuridine by vein, it is quickly absorbed.
Route Of Elimination
Fluorodeoxyuridine is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Some of the drug is also eliminated in the feces.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of floxuridine is 3 g/m2/day. The dose is typically divided into two or three doses per day and taken for five days a week over four weeks. The dose for recurrent cancer is 3 g/m2/day for five to seven days a week over four to six weeks.
Administration
Fluorodeoxyuridine is administered orally or intravenously. It should be taken on an empty stomach and should be taken with a full glass of water.
Side Effect
The most common side effects of floxuridine include nausea, vomiting, anemia, hair loss, and fatigue. Other side effects may include skin rash or burning, mouth sores, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and changes in taste.
Toxicity
The most serious side effect of floxuridine is anemia caused by bone marrow suppression. Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Fluorodeoxyuridine may also increase the risk of developing bladder cancer and kidney damage. The risk of these side effects increases with increasing doses.
Precaution
The dose of floxuridine should be adjusted according to the patient’s kidney function. The patient should also drink plenty of fluids to help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Patients should also avoid taking vitamins and herbal products while taking floxuridine. Lastly, patients should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on floxuridine as it can increase the side effects.
Interaction
Fluorodeoxyuridine interacts with many medications and should be used with caution if taken with anticoagulants or other medications that can affect the blood. It also has the potential to interact with supplements, herbs, and other drugs, including acetaminophen, warfarin, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Disease Interaction
Fluorodeoxyuridine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, kidney disease, or anemia. It should not be used in patients with active infection, bleeding disorders, or impaired bone marrow function.
Drug Interaction
Fluorodeoxyuridine can interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, antibiotics, vitamins, supplements, and other chemotherapy drugs. Patients should discuss possible interactions with their healthcare provider before taking floxuridine.
Food Interaction
Fluorodeoxyuridine should not be taken with grapefruit juice as it can increase the drug’s side effects. Patients should also avoid alcohol while taking floxuridine.
Pregnancy Use
Fluorodeoxyuridine is considered to be a pregnancy category D drug, meaning that it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult their healthcare provider before taking floxuridine.
Lactation Use
Fluorodeoxyuridine has not been studied in nursing mothers. Women should consult their healthcare provider before taking floxuridine while nursing.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of floxuridine can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, confusion, headache, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and kidney damage. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention right away.
Contraindication
Fluorodeoxyuridine should not be used if the patient is pregnant or has active infection, bleeding disorders, or impaired bone marrow function.
Use Direction
Fluorodeoxyuridine should be taken orally or intravenously on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. The dose should be adjusted according to the patient’s kidney function and should not be taken with grapefruit juice or alcohol.
Storage Condition
Fluorodeoxyuridine should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Volume Of Distribution
Fluorodeoxyuridine is widely distributed throughout the body, with highest concentrations found in the small intestine, liver, and kidney.
Half Life
The half-life of floxuridine is approximately 4 hours.
Clearance
Fluorodeoxyuridine is cleared from the body primarily through the kidneys, but some of the drug is also cleared through the intestines.
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