5-FC

Medical abbreviation · Drug

5-FC stands for 5-Fluorocytosine (flucytosine), a drug abbreviation.

Oral antifungal used with amphotericin B for induction treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. It is not used alone because fungi quickly develop resistance.

Example: Induction: L-AmB plus 5-FC 25 mg/kg PO q6h x 2 weeks.

Usage notes

Fungal cells convert flucytosine into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which explains its bone marrow toxicity; blood levels are monitored, especially in kidney impairment. Despite its importance, flucytosine is expensive or unavailable in many low-income countries, where cryptococcal meningitis is most common.

Related abbreviations

More drug abbreviations

• 2-PAM – Pralidoxime
• 3HP – Three months of weekly isoniazid and rifapentine
• 3TC – Lamivudine
• 4-MP – 4-Methylpyrazole (fomepizole)
• 5-ASA – 5-Aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine)
• 5-FU – 5-Fluorouracil
• 5-HTP – 5-Hydroxytryptophan
• 6-MP – 6-Mercaptopurine
• 70/30 – 70% intermediate-acting and 30% short-acting premixed insulin
• AAS – Anabolic-androgenic steroids
• ABC – Abacavir
• ABX – Antibiotics

See all 170 drug abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.