Receiving Helpdesk

what is fluconazole used for

by Stefan Haag Published 4 years ago Updated 4 years ago

About fluconazole
Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat infections caused by different kinds of fungus. The most common cause of fungal infections is a yeast called candida.
Mar 23, 2020

Precautions

More serious (but less common) side effects include:

  • QT prolongation
  • Anaphylactic reactions
  • Cholestasis
  • Liver failure/liver issues
  • Jaundice

What do I do if I take too much fluconazole?

Key facts

  • You'll usually take fluconazole once a day.
  • Your dose and how long you take it for depends on the kind of infection you have.
  • You can take fluconazole with or without food.
  • The most common side effects of fluconazole are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea.

More items...

How often to take fluconazole?

Yes: That should be fine. Avoid carbs: Assuming you are taking Diflucan (fluconazole) for a yeast infection, it would be best to avoid foods and drinks that turn to sugar in your body, incl... Read More Can i drink alcohol while taking difucan? It is always prudent: Not to drink while you are on medication.

Is it safe to drink on fluconazole?

It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. You may need to take only one dose of fluconazole, or you may need to take fluconazole for several weeks or longer. The length of your treatment depends on your condition and on how well you respond to fluconazole.

How many fluconazole should I take?

See more

See more

What infections does fluconazole treat?

Fluconazole is used to treat serious fungal or yeast infections, including vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush, oral thrush), esophageal candidiasis (candida esophagitis), other candida infections (including urinary tract infections, peritonitis [inflammation of the lining of the stomach], and ...

Is fluconazole considered an antibiotic?

Diflucan belongs to a group of medicines called azole antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth of the fungal and yeast organisms causing your infection.

How long does fluconazole take to take effect?

by Drugs.com For mild, uncomplicated, infections fluconazole is prescribed as a single 150 mg dose and an improvement in symptoms is usually seen within one to three days.

What does fluconazole do to the body?

Fluconazole works by blocking the ability of the fungi Candida and Cryptococcus to reproduce. For people with infections from these fungi, this drug helps to get rid of the infection. For people at higher risk of candidiasis, it helps to prevent infection.

What should I avoid while taking fluconazole?

Common medications that may interact with fluconazole include: anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (blood thinners), such as warfarin, clopidogrel, (may prolong bleeding time) biologics, such as acalabrutinib, bosutinib, or entrectinib. albuterol.

How do I know if fluconazole is working?

If you are taking fluconazole to prevent an infection, the medicine kills any fungus as it starts to appear. Fluconazole is used for many different fungal infections. If you have vaginal thrush, balanitis or oral thrush, your symptoms should be better within 7 days of taking fluconazole.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.

What causes yeast infections?

The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.

Why do I keep getting yeast infections?

A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system. The following can weaken your immune system: age.

Does fluconazole flush out yeast?

Fluconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It works by stopping the growth of common types of vaginal yeast (fungus). This medication belongs to a class of drugs called azole antifungals.

What happens if you take fluconazole without yeast infection?

If you don't really have a yeast infection, antifungals won't help you get better. They can actually prolong the real problem, because while you'll think you're treating the issue, the real cause will continue to develop. There are several reasons you might have symptoms that are like a yeast infection.

How long does fluconazole stay in your system?

Diflucan dosage This is because the medication stays in vaginal secretions for at least 72 hours. In certain people who have symptoms that persist after one dose of Diflucan, a further dose can be taken every three days for a total of three doses.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use fluconazole if you are allergic to it.Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with fluconazole. Your do...

How Should I Take Fluconazole?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.Your do...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include confusion or unusual thoughts or beh...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Fluconazole?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how thi...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Fluconazole?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may in...

What to tell your doctor before taking fluconazole?

Before using fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heartproblems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family historyof certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Can fungusto cause nausea?

Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungusto continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or if it worsens. Side Effects . Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachupset/pain, headache, dizziness, or hair lossmay occur.

Can fluconazole be taken in breast milk?

Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fluconazole passes into breastmilk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Does fluconazole affect QT?

Many drugs besides fluconazolemay affect the heartrhythm (QT prolongation), including pimozide, quinidine, macrolide antibiotics(such as erythromycin), among others. Fluconazole can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which can affect how they work.

Can fluconazole make you dizzy?

Talk to your doctor about using fluconazole safely. Although uncommon, this drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana(cannabis) can make you more dizzy.

Can you take fluconazole if you are allergic to it?

Precautions . Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacistif you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungaldrugs (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Can fluconazole cause QT prolongation?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease. Fluconazole may cause a condition that affects the heartrhythm (QT prolongation).

What is fluconazole used for?

Expand Section. Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), abdomen (area between the chest and waist), lungs, blood, and other organs. Fluconazole is also used to treat meningitis ...

Why is fluconazole used for bone marrow transplant?

Fluconazole is also used to prevent yeast infections in patients who are likely to become infected because they are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy before a bone marrow transplant (replacement of unhealthy spongy tissue inside the bones with healthy tissue).

What to do if fluconazole doesn't work?

If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. Continue to take fluconazole until your doctor tells you that you should stop, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking fluconazole without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking fluconazole too soon, your infection may come back after a short time.

How often should I take fluconazole?

Fluconazole comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. You may need to take only one dose of fluconazole, or you may need to take fluconazole for several weeks or longer.

Can you take fluconazole twice a day?

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may tell you to take a double dose of fluconazole on the first day of your treatment. Follow these directions carefully.

Can fluconazole interact with other medications?

Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with fluconazole, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.

Can you take fluconazole if you are taking a prescription?

Your doctor will probably tell you not to take flucon azole if you are taking any of these medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking, or plan to take.

What is fluconazole used for?

Uses. Fluconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It works by stopping the growth of common types of vaginal yeast ( fungus ). This medication belongs to a class of drugs called azole antifungals.

How to report fluconazole side effects?

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal drugs ...

What to tell your doctor before taking fluconazole?

Before using fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems ( heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG ), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Does fluconazole affect QT?

Many drugs besides fluconazole may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including pimozide, quinidine, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin ), among others. Fluconazole can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which can affect how they work.

Can you take fluconazole if you are allergic to it?

Precautions. Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal drugs (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole ); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Can fluconazole make you dizzy?

Talk to your doctor about using fluconazole safely. Although uncommon, this drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana ( cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Can fluconazole be taken in breast milk?

Fluconazole passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Interactions. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

How does fluconazole work?

Fluconazole works by blocking the ability of the fungi Candida and Cryptococcus to reproduce. For people with infections from these fungi, this drug helps to get rid of the infection. For people at higher risk of candidiasis, it helps to prevent infection.

Why is fluconazole used for candida?

Why it’s used. Fluconazole is used to prevent and treat candidiasis. This condition is caused by infection with one of the many types of the fungus Candida. Examples of candidiasis include vaginal yeast infection, as well as oral yeast infection (thrush).

What is the brand name of diflucan?

Brand name: Diflucan . Fluconazole comes as a tablet or suspension you take by mouth. It also comes in an injectable form that can only be given to you by a healthcare provider. Fluconazole oral tablet is used to prevent and treat candidiasis, a fungal infection.

How long does fungus treatment last?

The dose from day 2 on is usually 200–400 mg, taken once per day. Treatment length: Treatment typically lasts 10–12 weeks after a test called a cerebrospinal fluid culture no longer detects fungi.

Can fluconazole cause slurred speech?

Phenytoin. Taking this drug with fluconazole can cause trouble with coordination, slurred speech, and confusion. Your doctor will measure blood levels of phenytoin while you’re taking fluconazole .

What are the side effects of taking fluconazole?

The levels of these drugs may be increased in your body when taken with fluconazole. Increased side effects include slower breathing, confusion, and drowsiness. Carbamazepine.

Can fluconazole interact with other medications?

Fluconazole oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully.

What is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is a drug that is used to treat fungal infections, and it can be applied to a variety of applications. Fluconazole yeast infection treatments are extremely common because the medicine is primarily used against infections caused by candida fungus.

How Does Fluconazole Work?

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug, which means that it stops fungi like candida and cryptococcus from self-replicating. This makes fluconazole yeast infection treatment, for example, an effective method of ensuring that the fungus cannot spread and dies off.

What are the Most Common Uses Of Fluconazole?

Fluconazole yeast infection treatment is among the most common uses for the antifungal drug, which can combat both oral yeast infections, known as thrush, and vaginal yeast infections, among other forms of candidiasis.

What are the Possible Side Effects and Risks of Fluconazole?

Whether you’re looking into fluconazole yeast infection treatment or taking it as a preventative measure, it could be a good idea to consider the potential side effects and understand what’s normal.

Talk to a Doctor

Remember to always contact your doctor and have a discussion before--and during--your fluconazole yeast infection treatment. Before beginning any treatment or preventative measures, discuss whether the medication is compatible with your body and other medications, especially if you have immunity issues or other heavy prescriptions.

What is fluconazole used for?

About fluconazole. Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat infections caused by different kinds of fungus. The most common cause of fungal infections is a yeast called candida. Fluconazole is used to treat many infections caused by candida including:

Why is fluconazole prescribed?

This is caused by a fungus called cryptococcus. Fluconazole can also be used to prevent a fungal infection developing. It is only prescribed if you are likely to get this sort of infection. This includes people who: keep getting vaginal thrush. have a weakened immune system. have had a bone marrow transplant.

How many doses of fluconazole are in a 5ml bottle?

It is best to take your capsules at the same time each day. The liquid usually comes in 2 different strengths: 50mg fluconazole in a 5ml spoonful (50mg/5ml) 200mg fluconazole in a 5ml spoonful (200mg/5ml) Use the plastic spoon that comes with your medicine to measure your dose.

How does fluconazole kill fungus?

The medicine kills fungus by making holes in its cell membrane, so that the contents leak out . This treats the infection and allows your symptoms to get better. If you are taking fluconazole to prevent an infection, the medicine kills any fungus as it starts to appear.

Can you take fluconazole with food?

You can take fluconazole with or without food. The most common side effects of fluconazole are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea. For thrush, you can buy fluconazole capsules (brand names include Canesten Thrush Oral Capsules) or fluconazole capsules with clotrimazole cream (brand names include Canesten Thrush Duo).

Does fluconazole cause thrush?

This is caused by a fungus called cryptococcus.

Does fluconazole affect pregnancy?

Fluconazole is not likely to affect your contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception. If taking fluconazole makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.

What is diflucan used for?

Diflucan is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, genital area, and the blood.

What are the side effects of diflucan?

Common Diflucan side effects may include: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach; headache; dizziness; or. changes in your sense of taste. 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.

What to tell your doctor before taking diflucan?

Before taking Diflucan, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of Long QT syndrome. Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time.

Can fluconazole cause heart problems?

Fluconazole can cause a serious heart problem . Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV. Many drugs can interact with fluconazole, and some drugs should not be used at the same time.

Is diflucan safe for seizures?

seizure medicine; or. steroid medicine. To make sure Diflucan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease; heart problems; or. if you are allergic to other antifungal medicine (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and others).

Can fluconazole be taken for a viral infection?

Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medication. Fluconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Can you take fluconazole and other medications at the same time?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. Fluconazole can cause a serious heart problem.

What is fluconazole used for?

Fluconazole is a highly selective inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P450 dependent enzyme lanosterol 14-α-demethylase. This enzyme functions to convert lanosterol to ergosterol. The subsequent loss of normal sterols correlates with the accumulation of 14-α-methyl sterols in fungi and may be responsible for the fungistatic activity of fluconazole. Mammalian cell demethylation is much less sensitive to fluconazole inhibition.

What are the side effects of diflucan?

The most common side effects of Diflucan include: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, dizziness, and. changes in your sense of taste.

How to report diflucan side effects?

These are not all the possible side effects of Diflucan. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Does diflucan cause hypoglycemia?

Clinically significant hypoglycemia may be precipitated by the use of DIFLUCAN with oral hypoglycemic agents; one fatality has been reported from hypoglycemia in association with combined DIFLUCAN and glyburide use. DIFLUCAN reduces the metabolism of tolbutamide, glyburide, and glipizide and increases the plasma concentration of these agents. When DIFLUCAN is used concomitantly with these or other sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agents, blood glucose concentrations should be carefully monitored and the dose of the sulfonylurea should be adjusted as necessary. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.)

Does fluconazole affect losartan?

Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of losartan to its active metabolite (E-31 74) which is responsible for most of the angiotensin Il-receptor antagonism which occurs during treatment with losartan. Patients should have their blood pressure monitored continuously.

Does fluconazole increase nortriptyline?

Fluconazole increases the effect of amitriptyline and nortriptyline. 5-Nortriptyline and/or S-amitriptyline may be measured at initiation of the combination therapy and after 1 week. Dosage of amitriptyline/nortriptyline should be adjusted, if necessary.

Is fluconazole a CYP3A4 inhibitor?

(See CONTRAINDICATIONS.) Fluconazole is a moderate CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitor. Fluconazole is also a strong inhibitor of CYP2C19. Patients treated with DIFLUCAN, who are also concomitantly treated with drugs with a narrow therapeutic window metabolized through CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, should be monitored for adverse reactions associated with the concomitantly administered drugs. In addition to the observed /documented interactions mentioned below, there is a risk of increased plasma concentration of other compounds metabolized by CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 coadministered with fluconazole. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using these combinations and the patients should be carefully monitored. The enzyme inhibiting effect of fluconazole persists 4 to 5 days after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment due to the long half-life of fluconazole. Clinically or potentially significant drug interactions between DIFLUCAN and the following agents/classes have been observed and are described in greater detail below:

Medical uses

Fluconazole is used to prevent and treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections.

May Treat: Candidemia · Vulvovaginal candidiasis · Esophageal candidiasis · Candida peritonitis · Oral candidiasis and more

Brand Names: Diflucan

Drug Class: Antifungal - Triazoles

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

May Treat: Candidemia · Vulvovaginal candidiasis · Esophageal candidiasis · Candida peritonitis · Oral candidiasis and more

Brand Names: Diflucan

Drug Class: Antifungal - Triazoles

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: Does not adversely affect lactation

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Precautions

  • If available, read the patient package insert
  • Tell doctor if you think you are pregnant
  • May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.

  • If available, read the patient package insert
  • Tell doctor if you think you are pregnant
  • May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
  • Call MD if new abdominal pain/yellowing eyes/skin
  • Tell doctor if fainting or faintness occurs.
  • For suspension, reconstituted, oral products : Shake well & measure with dosing spoon/cup/syringe.
  • For tablet products : Success is dependent on completing therapy course. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor. Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol. Lab tests may be ordered to monitor therapy. Call doctor if you are not better in 3 days.

Administration

Treatment

Overview

Diet

  • Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), abdomen (area between the chest and waist), lungs, blood, and other organs. Fluconazole is also used to treat meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spine) caused by ...
See more on medlineplus.gov

Side effects

  • Fluconazole comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. You may need to take only one dose of fluconazole, or you may need to take fluconazole for several weeks or longer. The length of your treatment depends on your condition and on how well you respond to fluconazole. Follow the directions on your prescriptio…
See more on medlineplus.gov

Prevention

  • Your doctor may tell you to take a double dose of fluconazole on the first day of your treatment. Follow these directions carefully. You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with fluconazole. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. Continue to take fluconazole until your doctor tells you that you should stop, even if you feel bett…
See more on medlineplus.gov

Diagnosis

  • Fluconazole is also sometimes used to treat serious fungal infections that begin in the lungs and can spread through the body and fungal infections of the eye, skin and nails. Fluconazole is also sometimes used to prevent fungal infections in people who are likely to become infected because they have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cancer or have had a transplant operation (su…
See more on medlineplus.gov

Preparation

  • Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
See more on medlineplus.gov

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9