ABSTRACT
This chapter provides monographs of fluorouracil which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. Fluorouracil is indicated for the topical treatment of multiple actinic (solar) keratoses. In the 5% strength it is also useful in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas when conventional methods are impractical, such as with multiple lesions or difficult treatment sites. Fluorouracil injection is indicated in the palliative management of some types of cancer, including of the colon, esophagus, rectum, breast, biliary tract, stomach, head and neck, cervix, pancreas, renal cell cancer and carcinoid. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
