Fluorouracil (topical cream): brand names and study card

Fluorouracil (topical cream) — Nucleoside metabolic inhibitor (pyrimidine analog). Study the mechanism, listed uses and warnings from the US label on one sourced card.

Generic name: Fluorouracil (topical cream)
Brands: Tolak
Class: Nucleoside metabolic inhibitor (pyrimidine analog)
Mechanism: Blocks methylation of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid, interfering with DNA and, less so, RNA synthesis.
Used for: Actinic keratosis (face, ears, scalp)
Common side effects: Erythema; Scaling / dryness; Crusting; Pruritus; Stinging / burning
Warnings: Contraindicated in pregnancy; DPD deficiency (contraindicated); Avoid periocular area; photosensitivity

Read the source label ↗

Label date: 20220906 · For learning, not clinical decisions. US label and brand information; always consult the current source.

Source snapshot checked: 2026-10-21. The source document and selected fields were compared. The complete card has not had an independent clinical review.

Practice

Pronunciation

Fluorouracil (topical cream): flure-oh-YOOR-a-sil

Pronunciation is shown for the US English generic name.

Body system

Dermatology · 18 Drug cards

Compare with related cards

Clotrimazole

Same body system: Dermatology

Mechanism: Broad-spectrum antifungal acting primarily on dividing and growing organisms; fungistatic and fungicidal activity is demonstrated in vitro against specified susceptible fungi.

On both cards: Common side effects — Erythema; Pruritus; Stinging / burning

Only on the Clotrimazole card: Used for — Topical treatment of skin candidiasis caused by Candida albicans; Tinea versicolor caused by Malassezia furfur · Common side effects — Blistering / peeling; Skin irritation · Warnings — Hypersensitivity to any component (contraindicated); This skin solution must not be used in the eyes

Ciclopirox

Same body system: Dermatology

Mechanism: Chelates polyvalent cations such as Fe3+ or Al3+, inhibiting fungal metal-dependent enzymes that degrade peroxides. The relevance of its antifungal property to seborrheic dermatitis is unknown.

On both cards: Common side effects — Erythema; Pruritus

Only on the Ciclopirox card: Used for — Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults · Common side effects — Burning · Warnings — Local irritation or sensitivity; Avoid contact with eyes; Hair discoloration

An item counts as shared only when both cards use the same wording. If a card does not list an item, that is not a statement that the effect never occurs.