Doxifluridine

It is fluoropyrimidine derivative and oral prodrug of the antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with antitumor activity. Doxifluridine, designed to circumvent the rapid degradation of 5-FU by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in the gut wall, is converted into 5-FU in the presence of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase.

Indications

gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the liver, liver carcinoma

Dosage

Orally, total 800 - 1200mg, 3 to 4 times daily

Contra-Indications

pregnancy

Special Precautions

Paediatric: Safety not yet established Pregnancy: it is teratogenic Lactation: Not recommended

Side Effects

bone marrow suppression mainly leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, Pancytopenia,nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, stomatitis, and occasionally ulcers, glossitis, etc., hearing impairment, sensory disturbances, extrapyramidal symptoms and paralysis and incontinence, Occasionally smell abnormalities; ECG abnormalities, hair loss, pigmentation, urticaria.

Drug Interactions

Antiviral telbivudine (Sorivudine)