Fluconazole - Antifungal Medication Information

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug used in the treatment and prevention of superficial and systemic fungal infections which can invade parts of the body including the mouth, lungs, throat, bladder, esophagus, genitals, and the blood. It is also used to prevent fungal infection in people with weak immune systems which can be caused by cancer treatment, bone marrow transplants, or diseases such as AIDS. Fluconazole is not for treating viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

Indications

In a bulk powder form, it appears as a white crystalline powder, and it is very slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Diflucan or Trican by Pfizer.

Fluconazole is almost completely absorbed within two hours following oral dosing. The absence of stomach acid does not significantly affect bioavailability. Patients with impaired renal function are at risk of overdose as well as patients who are being treated with drugs such as warfarin.

Before taking fluconazole, consult with a doctor if you have allergic reactions to any drugs, or if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney disease, liver disease, or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby so a doctor should be consulted if you are pregnant or have plans to become pregnant during treatment. Fluconazole can pass into your breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Fluconazole has also sometimes been associated with severe or lethal hepatotoxicity, therefore liver function tests are usually performed regularly during extended fluconazole therapy. Fluconazole is also used with caution in patients with liver disease.

This medication should be taken exactly as it was prescribed. It is important not to take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by a doctor. Fluconazole should be taken with a full glass of water. The oral suspension should be shaken well before a dose is measured. In order to get the correct dose, the liquid should be measured with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, and not with a regular table spoon. If a dose-measuring device is not available, ask your pharmacist for one. The medication should be taken for the entire length of time prescribed by a doctor since symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Tablets should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Liquid fluconazole can be stored in a refrigerator, but should not be allowed to freeze. If there is any leftover medicine after 2 weeks, it should be discarded.

Side Effects

Emergency medical help should be sought if you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Call your doctor at once if you have any serious side effects such as easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, seizure, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, severe blistering, peeling, red skin rash, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice.

Less serious side effects can include dizziness, unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth, skin rash or itching, headache, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.