Uridine triacetate

Generic name: uridine triacetate [ URE-i-deen-trye-AS-e-tate ]
Brand names: Vistogard, Xuriden
Dosage form: oral granule (triacetate 10 g)
Drug classes: Antidotes, Miscellaneous metabolic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 14, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is uridine triacetate?

This medication guide provides information about the Vistogard brand of uridine triacetate. Xuriden is another brand of uridine triacetate that is not covered in this medication guide.

Uridine triacetate works by slowing down cell damage caused by certain cancer medicines (capecitabine or fluorouracil).

Uridine triacetate is used to treat an overdose of capecitabine or fluorouracil.

Uridine triacetate is also used in an emergency to treat life-threatening side effects caused by capecitabine or fluorouracil. This includes effects on the heart, nervous system, stomach, intestines, or blood cells.

uridine triacetate may be given before overdose symptoms appear. However, treatment with uridine triacetate must begin within 96 hours after you last received capecitabine or fluorouracil.

Uridine triacetate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Uridine triacetate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of uridine triacetate may include:

• nausea;

• vomiting; or

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before you use uridine triacetate, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. In some cases, you may not be able to use uridine triacetate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions.

It is not known whether uridine triacetate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether uridine triacetate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take uridine triacetate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Uridine triacetate must be taken every 6 hours, or 4 times per day. You will take a total of 20 doses for the full treatment. It should take 5 full days to complete all doses.

Uridine triacetate comes in a packet of oral granules that must be mixed with soft food before taking. Do not eat the granules by themselves.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

One adult dose is 1 packet (10 grams) of oral granules. A child's dose is smaller than an adult dose, and is based on the child's weight and height.

For a child's dose, you will use less than 1 full packet of oral granules. Measure your child's dose very carefully to make sure you are not giving too much or too little medicine.

After measuring the child's dose, throw away the rest of the medicine in the opened packet. Do not save it for later use.

For both adults and children: Mix the measured dose with 3 to 4 ounces of soft food such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

After swallowing the uridine triacetate dose, drink at least 4 ounces of water.

If you vomit within 2 hours after taking uridine triacetate, measure, mix, and swallow another full dose. Then take the next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

If needed, uridine triacetate may be given through a nasogastric (NG) or gastronomy tube. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions for measuring and mixing uridine triacetate oral granules when giving the medicine through a feeding tube.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if you feel well. It is extremely important that you finish all 20 doses to complete your treatment with uridine triacetate.

Store unopened packets of uridine triacetate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Each single-use packet of uridine triacetate is for one use only. Throw away the packet after measuring your dose, even if there is still some medicine inside it.

Related/similar drugs

uridine, Vistogard

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of uridine triacetate is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking uridine triacetate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect uridine triacetate?

Other drugs may interact with uridine triacetate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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