Uridine Administration for 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Toxicity

 

Situations where 5-FU toxicity may occur:

(1) high dose 5-FU

(2) dose miscalculation

(3) infusion pump malfunction or other administration error

(4) DPD deficiency

 

5-FU toxicity may be associated with:

(1) myelosuppression

(2) cardiotoxicity

(3) encephalopathy

(4) gastrointestinal toxicity (mucositis, diarrhea, etc)

 

Uridine triacetate can be given orally (10 g every 6 hours for 5 days = 20 doses or 200 g) as soon as possible after the toxic exposure.

 

Alternative routes of administration may include:

(1) intravenous infusion: associated with deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis

(2) subcutaneous infusion.