Fluorouracil

Brand: Adrucil (global) / 5-FU (standard generic)

Anticancer Antimetabolite (pyrimidine analogue)

Chemistry

Molecular Formula	C4H3FN2O2
PubChem	CID: 3385 Open in PubChem

Structure

Half-life	0.25 hours
Clearance Route	hepatic
Active Metabolites	yes
Notes	DPYD deficiency → severe toxicity risk; test or be careful before continuous infusion.

Severity: Severe

Adverse Effects:
Myelosuppression, mucositis, cardiotoxicity (rare), diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome

Contraindications:
Known DPD deficiency

Precautions:
Consider DPYD genotyping/phenotyping when possible; stop immediately if severe diarrhea or chest pain