Fluconazole
Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous, Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal ... show more
.svg)
DRUG STATUS
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
Possible
Pharmaceutical Class
Azole Antifungal
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Fluconazole
Learn more about this medicine -
Click HereSummary
Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat various fungal infections. It is commonly used for yeast infections, esophagus infections, mouth infections, and even serious brain infections. It can also prevent the recurrence of a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis.
Fluconazole works by blocking a fungal enzyme needed to make ergosterol, a crucial component of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the membrane weakens, halting fungal growth and causing cell death. This effectively treats the fungal infection.
Fluconazole is typically taken orally, with or without food. The dosage varies depending on the individual's age, weight, and the type of infection. Adults typically take between 100mg and 400mg per day. For children, the dosage is more complex and depends on various factors. It's important to consult a doctor for the correct dosage.
Common side effects of Fluconazole include skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, dizziness, and changes in taste. In rare cases, it can cause serious liver problems, bowel inflammation, infections, breathing trouble, and even seizures.
Fluconazole should be used with caution in individuals with kidney problems or allergies to similar medicines. It can cause irregular heartbeats, so it should not be taken with erythromycin, as this can increase the risk of heart problems. It can also affect how other medicines work in your body, so it's important to discuss all medications you're taking with your doctor.
Indications and Purpose
What is Fluconazole used for?
Fluconazole is a medicine that fights off a type of yeast infection in the vagina (candidiasis). It can also help prevent a serious brain infection (cryptococcal meningitis) from coming back. It's used for other serious fungal infections too, but doctors watch carefully for skin rashes because that can be a sign of a problem.
How does Fluconazole work?
Fluconazole is an antifungal that works by blocking a fungal enzyme needed to make ergosterol, a vital part of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the membrane weakens, stopping fungal growth and causing cell death. It spreads well in the body, treating various fungal infections effectively.
Is Fluconazole effective?
Fluconazole, a medicine for yeast infections, works about the same in kids and adults with bloodstream yeast infections (candidemia). In one study, most children with the infection got better (79% clinically cured, 87% mycologically cured). Another study showed fluconazole didn't improve survival rates compared to a dummy treatment (placebo), suggesting it might not always be life-saving in these cases.
How does one know if Fluconazole is working?
Fluconazole is a medicine that fights fungal infections. Doctors test it in two main ways. First, they give it to people with fungal infections like yeast infections or meningitis, and compare how well it works against other medicines or a dummy pill (placebo). They watch to see if the infection gets better and if there are any side effects. Second, they test it in a lab to see how well it kills different types of fungus. It's also important to check how well someone's kidneys are working, especially older people, because the kidneys help remove the medicine from the body.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Fluconazole?
The medicine's amount depends on who's taking it. Grown-ups get between 100mg and 400mg a day, but the exact amount depends on their illness. For kids, it's much more complicated. The right amount is figured out based on their age, weight, and what's wrong with them. There are different amounts for different sicknesses, and sometimes it's a bigger dose at first, then a smaller one later. It's really important to talk to a doctor to get the correct amount for each person.
How do I take Fluconazole?
It's okay to take fluconazole pills with or without food. You don't need to worry about avoiding any particular foods.
For how long do I take Fluconazole?
Treatment for fungal infections like those in the brain, esophagus, or mouth usually lasts several weeks. For brain infections, it continues for 10-12 weeks after the infection is gone from the spinal fluid. Esophageal infections need at least three weeks of treatment, and then two more weeks after symptoms disappear. Mouth infections need a minimum of two weeks of treatment to prevent the infection from coming back.
How long does it take for Fluconazole to start working?
Fluconazole is a medicine that fights fungus. It stays in your body and keeps working for a few days even after you finish taking it. A bigger first dose can get the medicine working faster. How long you need to take it depends on the infection. For serious infections like meningitis, you might need it for many weeks. For a simple yeast infection, one dose might be enough.
How should I store Fluconazole?
Keep the fluconazole pills in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Make sure kids can't get to them.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is a medicine that needs careful use. Taking it with erythromycin is dangerous because it can seriously harm your heart. If you have kidney problems or are allergic to similar medicines, you should be extra careful. Rarely, it can cause irregular heartbeats or seizures. It can also cause liver problems, sometimes very serious. It might make you dizzy, so don't drive or operate machinery if you feel this way. Fluconazole can also affect how other medicines work in your body.
Can I take Fluconazole with other prescription drugs?
Fluconazole is a medicine that can affect how your body processes other medicines. It can cause some medicines to stay in your body longer, leading to higher levels and potentially stronger effects or side effects. This is especially true for medicines broken down by your liver in specific ways (CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP2C19). Taking fluconazole with certain medicines like erythromycin increases the risk of heart problems. Combining it with others, such as amiodarone or abrocitinib, can also lead to increased side effects. Similarly, it can make amitriptyline and nortriptyline stronger, potentially causing more side effects. If you're taking fluconazole, talk to your doctor about other medications you're on to avoid problems.
Can I take Fluconazole with vitamins or supplements?
Fluconazole may slightly affect vitamin D metabolism and absorption can be reduced by magnesium or calcium supplements; separate doses by at least 2 hours. Avoid St. John’s Wort as it may alter effectiveness. Probiotics may support gut health but consult your doctor before use.
Can Fluconazole be taken safely while pregnant?
Fluconazole is a medicine for fungal infections. It's best to avoid it during pregnancy, especially in the first three months. Some studies suggest a possible link between taking fluconazole during this time and problems like miscarriage or birth defects. However, more research is needed to be certain. If a pregnant person has a very serious fungal infection, the doctor might prescribe it because the benefits of treating the infection could outweigh any potential risks to the baby. Large doses of fluconazole in early pregnancy have been linked to specific birth defects in a few reports.
Can Fluconazole be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Fluconazole, a medicine, can get into breast milk, but usually in small amounts. Studies show it's unlikely to harm a baby, but it's best to talk to your doctor about whether breastfeeding is safe while taking it.
Is Fluconazole safe for the elderly?
Older people's kidneys might not work as well as younger people's, so they may need a lower dose of fluconazole. Doctors should check how well their kidneys are working and adjust the medicine amount accordingly. While fluconazole is usually safe, some older patients have had more problems like low blood counts (anemia) and kidney failure, but it's not certain if the medicine caused these issues.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Fluconazole?
Exercise is safe unless you feel unwell or experience side effects like dizziness. Stop if you feel unwell and consult your doctor
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Fluconazole?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe but may increase the risk of liver side effects. Avoid excessive drinking and consult your doctor if concerned.
Forms / Brands
