Generic name: fluconazole (floo KOE na zole)
Brand name: Diflucan
Drug class: Azole antifungals
Diflucan (fluconazole) is an oral (taken by mouth) antifungal medicine. Diflucan is available as a tablet or as an oral suspension (liquid).
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.
Diflucan is also used to prevent fungal infection in people who have a weak immune system caused by cancer treatment, bone marrow transplant, or diseases such as AIDS.
Diflucan is also used to treat a certain type of meningitis in people with HIV or AIDS.
Warnings
Certain other drugs can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Diflucan,especially cisapride, erythromycin, pimozide, quinidine, astemizole, higher doses of terfenadine, and many other medications that are broken down by certain enzymes that are inhibited by fluconazole. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
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. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Diflucan if you are allergic to fluconazole.
Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with fluconazole. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
- cisapride, fentanyl, methadone, pimozide, tofacitinib, tolvaptan, or a vitamin A supplement;
- an antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medicine;
- a blood thinner;
- cancer medicine;
- cholesterol medication;
- oral diabetes medicine;
- heart or blood pressure medication;
- medicine for malaria or tuberculosis;
- medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
- medicine to treat depression or mental illness;
- an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug);
- 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).
The liquid form of Diflucan contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using Diflucan oral suspension if you have a problem digesting sugars or milk.
Fluconazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take Diflucan?
Take Diflucan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Your dose will depend on the infection you are treating. Vaginal infections are often treated with only one pill. For other infections, your first dose may be a double dose. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
You may take Diflucan with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Use Diflucan for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Fluconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
You may store the oral suspension in a refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any leftover liquid that is more than 2 weeks old.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use 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 behavior.
What should I avoid while using Diflucan?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Diflucan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Diflucan (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
- seizure (convulsions);
- skin rash or skin lesions; or
- liver problems - loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
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 other drugs will affect Diflucan?
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. 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. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.