Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil (5-FU) sold as Adrucil among others, is a drug that is a pyrimidine analog which is used in the treatment of cancer. It is a suicide inhibitor and works through irreversible inhibition of thymidylate synthase. It belongs to the family of drugs called the antimetabolites.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

Medical uses

Fluorouracil has been given systemically for anal, breast, colorectal, oesophageal, stomach, pancreatic and skin cancers (especially head and neck cancers). It has also been given topically for actinic keratoses, skin cancers and Bowen's disease.

Adverse effects

Adverse effects by frequency include:

During systemic use

Common (> 1% frequency):