Flutamide
Molecule Description
Flutamide is anti-androgenic medicine which blocks testosterone (male sex hormo
ne) action in the body.
Uses of Flutamide
- It is used in the treatment of prostate cancer
- It is also used after surgical removal of testis (castration)
Contraindications of Flutamide
When should one not use Flutamide
If you are allergic to Flutamide.
Side effects of Flutamide
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Yellow discolouration of skin, nails, eyes
- Clay coloured stools
- Dark urine
- Upper stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- Itching over the skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing difficulty
- Tenderness or mild breast swelling
- Swelling over face or lips
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
- Loose motions
Precautions and Warnings of Flutamide
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Flutamide during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine is used only to treat male medical condition. Hence not prescribed to women.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Flutamide while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine is used only to treat male medical condition. Hence it is not prescribed to women.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Flutamide?
A:
It causes tiredness, dizziness or confusion. You should avoid driving during this course of treatment.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Flutamide?
A:
You should not consume alcohol in large quantities while on treatment with this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, brittle bone or breathlessness
- You have diabetes
Mode of Action of Flutamide
How Does It Work?
Flutamide prevents the action of male sex hormones in the body, thereby decreasing the growth of prostate cancer.
Interactions of Flutamide
Interactions with other medicines
- Blood thinners (Warfarin)
- Theophylline (to treat breathing problem)
- Medicines that can affect your liver or electrical activity of your heart
- Medicines to treat cancers like Leuprorelin
Interactions with food items
No information is available on interactions of Flutamide when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Dietary Restrictions of Flutamide
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dosage of Flutamide
Overdose
Symptoms of this medicine's overdose include decreased activity, slow breathing, dizziness, watering eyes, upraised body hair, decreased appetite or vomiting. Consult with your doctor immediately.
Missed a Dose
If you miss a dose, do not take the double dose to catch up the skipped dose. Follow your regular dosing schedule.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Flutamide?
- You must inform your doctor if you are allergic to Flutamide
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease
- If you are G6PD enzyme deficient
- If you suffer from Hemoglobin M disease
- If you smoke
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines
Q: What should I avoid while taking Flutamide?
- Flutamide can cause diarrhea. Hence avoid taking laxatives and dairy products while you are taking Flutamide
- Caregivers must maintain hygiene, wash hands thoroughly, wear gloves while cleaning up the body fluids, trash, linen and laundry.
- Flutamide can pass in body fluids (stool, urine and vomit). Soiled clothes and linen must be washed separately
Q: Any precautions I should take when on this medicine?
- Drink more fluids to prevent dehydration in case of diarrhoea
- Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight and use sunscreen when outdoors as this medicine can make your skin sensitive to sunlight
Q: Do I need to undergo any lab tests during this treatment?
A: Your doctor may ask you to have regular blood tests such as liver function tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine or stomach pain as this medicine can cause liver damage.
References
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