Generic name: fluconazole (oral/injection) (floo KOE na zole)
Brand name: Diflucan
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (200 mg/100 mL-0.9%; 400 mg/200 mL-0.9%); oral powder for reconstitution (10 mg/mL; 40 mg/mL); oral tablet (100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Azole antifungals
Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine that 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.
Fluconazole 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.
Fluconazole is also used to treat a certain type of meningitis in people with HIV or AIDS.
Fluconazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use fluconazole if you are allergic to it.
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.
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 fluconazole contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of fluconazole if you have a problem digesting sugars or milk.
Fluconazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking fluconazole 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 fluconazole?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
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.
Fluconazole oral is taken by mouth. Fluconazole injection is given as an infusion into a vein.
You may take fluconazole oral 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).
Fluconazole injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Use fluconazole 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 fluconazole 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 fluconazole?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how fluconazole will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Fluconazole side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (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 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 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 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 affect 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.