What is Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is an oral prescription medicine that treats fungal infections like candidiasis and serious diseases like cryptococcal meningitis.
Fluconazole tablets help to prevent certain fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems caused by cancer or cancer treatments like bone marrow transplants and radiation therapy.
Fluconazole also treats meningitis (infection of your brain or spinal cord). This medicine is available under the brand name Diflucan.
Fluconazole is available in different forms, including oral tablet, suspension, and injectable.
After a valid doctor's prescription, you can buy Fluconazole online from licensed pharmacies.
What are the Medical uses of Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is effective in treating the following medical conditions:
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Candida urinary tract infections and peritonitis
- Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis
- Systemic candida infections like pneumonia, candidemia, and disseminated candidiasis
- Cryptococcal meningitis
Fluconazole helps to prevent:
Candidiasis in patients who undergo bone marrow transplantation and receive cytotoxic chemotherapy/radiation therapy
Fungal infections in patients with a weak immune system are caused by cancer or cancer treatment like radiation therapy.
How does Fluconazole work?
Fluconazole belongs to a class of medicines known as Triazole antifungals. It works by obstructing the ability of the fungi Candida and Cryptococcus to reproduce.
For people with infections from these fungi, Fluconazole helps to get rid of the infection. For people at high risk of candidiasis, Fluconazole helps to prevent the disease effectively.
How to take Fluconazole?
Make sure to use Fluconazole as the doctor recommends to achieve maximum benefits. Fluconazole oral tablets and liquid suspension should be taken by mouth. At the same time, a healthcare provider injects Fluconazole into a vein as an infusion.
Even if the symptoms improve quickly, take Fluconazole for the full prescribed time. Skipping doses can increase the risk of your infection to become resistant to medicine or worsen your condition.
It is essential to know that Fluconazole is ineffective in treating viral infections like the common cold or flu.
You can take Fluconazole tablets or suspension with or without food as your physician prescribes.
Depending on your age, medical condition, and body weight, the doctor will determine the correct dosage & duration of treatment with Fluconazole.
What if I miss a dose of Fluconazole?
If you miss a dose of Fluconazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's time for the next prescribed dosage, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What if I consume an Overdose of Fluconazole?
Not following your doctor's direction for the prescribed dosage can lead to an overdose of Fluconazole.
What are the Side effects of Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is safe for use in the dose and duration recommended by the doctor.
However, most side effects of Fluconazole do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
Some common side effects of Fluconazole include:
- Change in the way food tastes
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
You might experience other side effects of Fluconazole, which are not listed here.
Get emergency medical help if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
What are the Precautions and warnings for Fluconazole?
Do not use Fluconazole if you are allergic to it, Diflucan, or have any other allergies. This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions.
The doctor must check your progress regularly to ensure Fluconazole is working effectively.
Certain blood and urine tests might be required to avoid the risk of unwanted side effects.
Using Fluconazole for a long time or using it too much during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby. Make sure to use an effective form of birth control during the treatment with Fluconazole and for almost 1 week after the last dosage.
Meet the doctor immediately if you think you have become pregnant while using Fluconazole.
Fluconazole can sometimes even cause serious liver disorders. Inform the doctor if you suffer from stomach pain, dark urine, fever, reduced appetite, and clay-colored stools.
Serious skin reactions might occur in people during the treatment with Fluconazole. Tell the doctor if you experience skin changes, rash, or itching.
If you have any changes to your heart rhythm, contact the doctor. You can feel faint, dizzy, or have a fast pounding or uneven heartbeat.
Fluconazole might cause some people to suffer from dizziness and drowsiness or cause less alertness than normal. Do not drive or do anything else that demands attention unless you know how this medicine affects you.
What are the Drug interactions for Fluconazole?
Fluconazole interacts with several other medications. Inform the doctor about all other prescription & non-prescription medicines, vitamins/minerals, or herbal supplements you take to avoid drug interactions.
Here are some medicines which should not be taken with Fluconazole strictly:
- Terfenadine
- Pimozide
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Voriconazole
- Ranolazine
- Donepezil
- Lomitapide
- Glipizide
- Warfarin
- Phenytoin
How to store Fluconazole?
It is advised to store Fluconazole at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
FaQs-
How long does Fluconazole take to work?
Fluconazole improves symptoms for mild and uncomplicated infections within one to three days.
What should you watch for when using Fluconazole?
Visit the doctor for regular check-ups. If your symptoms do not improve, visit the doctor. Some fungal infections might take weeks or months of treatment to cure. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
I'm reacting using Fluconazole; is it normal?
Skin rash or itching is often a common side effect of Fluconazole. Unless you start feeling symptoms of allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat, you don't need to be concerned.
Can I take Fluconazole 150 mg every day?
It depends on the condition. A single 150 mg dose of Fluconazole can treat vaginal thrush or balanitis. For recurrent thrush, it’s taken every 72 hours for three doses, then weekly for six months. Daily doses (50 mg) are used for conditions like oral thrush.
Can I take fluconazole at night?
If prescribed by a doctor, you can take Fluconazole at any time of day or night, with or without food.
