5-FLUOROURACIL
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic that inhibits thymidylate synthase, thereby disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. It is widely used in the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal, breast, and skin cancers. Benefits include well-established efficacy and compatibility with multiple combination regimens. Major risks involve myelosuppression, mucositis, dermatologic reactions, and gastrointestinal toxicity, requiring close dose monitoring.
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Product Description
Mechanism of action
5‑Fluorouracil (5‑FU) is a fluorinated pyrimidine antimetabolite. It is intracellularly converted to several active nucleotides, including FdUMP and FUTP. FdUMP forms a stable ternary complex with thymidylate synthase and reduced folates, leading to inhibition of thymidylate synthesis and depletion of thymidine required for DNA replication. FUTP is incorporated into RNA, disrupting RNA processing and function. Together these actions preferentially impair rapidly dividing cells.
Benefits and advantages
5‑FU is a cornerstone cytotoxic agent in the treatment of a broad range of solid tumours, including colorectal, breast, head and neck and gastrointestinal cancers. It can be administered as bolus injections, continuous infusions or topical formulations, providing flexibility in oncology protocols. Its long clinical history has resulted in well‑characterised dosing schemes and combination regimens.
Side effects and risks
As with other antimetabolites, 5‑FU carries significant toxicity. Dose‑limiting adverse effects include myelosuppression, mucositis, diarrhoea and hand–foot syndrome. Cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity and severe gastrointestinal injury can occur, particularly in patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Use requires strict oncological supervision, individualised dosing and careful monitoring of blood counts and organ function.
Professional use only. This API is intended for formulation and use by qualified health‑care professionals and institutions.
Datasheet
| Molecular Formula | C4H3FN2O2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 130.08 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 51-21-8 |
| Storage Condition | Store at 25 °C (77 °F); excursions permitted to 15 °C – 30 °C (59 °F -86 °F). /Efudex Solutions/ |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Purity | Purity information is available upon request (COA). |
| Synonym | 5-Fluorouracil; fluorouracil; 51-21-8; Efudex; Fluracil |
| IUPAC/Chemical Name | 5-fluoro-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione |
| InChl Key | GHASVSINZRGABV-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| InChl Code | InChI=1S/C4H3FN2O2/c5-2-1-6-4(9)7-3(2)8/h1H,(H2,6,7,8,9) |
| References |
3D Conformer.
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