Which is a side effect associated with flucytosine?

Flucytosine is an antifungal agent used mainly to treat fungal infections, particularly those caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and some Candida species. One of the primary concerns when using flucytosine is its potential to cause bone marrow suppression, which can lead to conditions such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. This side effect arises because flucytosine is a pyrimidine analog, and it interferes with normal cellular metabolism and DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow.

While it is true that flucytosine has other potential side effects, bone marrow suppression is particularly notable as it can significantly affect the patient's overall health and require monitoring of blood counts during treatment. Additionally, this effect emphasizes the importance of assessing the patient's blood parameters before and during therapy to manage and mitigate serious complications associated with this medication.