Fluconazole

 Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Aspen fluconazole, Cipla fluconazole, Diflucan, Difluzole, Fluzol

Drug group:

Antifungal drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat:

• Local candida infections of the vagina/mouth/skin (“thrush”)
• Systemic and some more unusual fungal infections, including cryptococcal meningitis

It may also be used to prevent fungal infections in patients with defective immunity.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Adults: 50–400mg, taken once daily
• The dosage and length of course will depend on the condition being treated
• Vaginal thrush: 150mg taken once, repeat dose may be required

How quickly will it start to work?

Within a few hours, full effects may take several days   
  

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours                       

When should I stop using it?

Complete the course as prescribed   

Is it safe for prolonged use?  

No known problems, used indefinitely for prevention of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with defective immunity.

What are the possible side effects?

Fluconazole is generally well tolerated, but the following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, flatulence
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash (uncommon)

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, previous allergic reaction to antifungal drugs, acute porphyria
• Other medicines: rifampicin, oral antidiabetic drugs, anticoagulant drugs, theophylline/aminophylline, midazolam, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, zidovudine, anti-epileptics (eg phenytoin and carbamazepine), bosentan, ergotamine, methysergide, eletriptan, ivabradine, oestrogens
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Normal doses safe if normal kidney function
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems