Fluconazole
About Fluconazole
Fluconazole belongs to the class of medicines called 'antifungals' used to treat a broad range of infections caused by fungi and yeast. A fungal infection is caused when a fungus invades and affects any part of the body, including the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lungs, bladder, genital area, and blood.
Fluconazole contains ‘Fluconazole’ that kills or prevents fungi or yeast growth by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for its normal fat metabolism. This interferes with the formation of the fungal cell membrane. As a result, fungal or yeast cells get killed or their growth is minimized.
Fluconazole may cause common side effects like headache, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, stomach pain, and altered food tastes. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Fluconazole. Let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems before starting Fluconazole. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Fluconazole. It is advised to avoid alcohol intake while using Fluconazole to prevent any undesirable effects.
Uses of Fluconazole
Medicinal Benefits
Fluconazole is used to treat various fungal or yeast infections, such as vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush, oral thrush), oesophagal candidiasis (candida esophagitis), candida infections (urinary tract infections, peritonitis), and cryptococcal meningitis. Besides this, Fluconazole is also used to prevent candidiasis and coccidioidomycosis in patients who receive cancer or radiation treatment while undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Fluconazole is effective in treating soft tissue and pulmonary infections when compared to other azole antifungal drugs. It works by killing the fungus/yeast and preventing its growth by inhibiting the fungal cell membrane formation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fluconazole
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Altered food tastes
Drug Warnings
Please inform your doctor if you use any prescription, or non-prescription medicines, including vitamin and herbal supplements before using Fluconazole. Do not use Fluconazole if you are allergic to any of its components. Let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems, a weakened immune system, diabetes, cancer, or low blood magnesium or potassium levels. Pregnant or lactating women should consult the doctor before taking Fluconazole. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or other side effects that may affect your mental ability to drive. Avoid alcohol consumption along with Fluconazole to avoid undesirable effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Fluconazole may interact with anti-histamine (terfenadine, astemizole), antacid (cisapride), anti-convulsant (phenytoin), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), antibiotic (rifampin), xanthines (theophylline), anti-mycobacterials (rifabutin), short-acting benzodiazepines, and oral anti-diabetic drugs.
Drug-Food Interaction: There are no studies indicating food interactions with Fluconazole.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, heart diseases, liver or kidney problems, blood disorders like acute porphyria, HIV, and low levels of magnesium and potassium.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advisable to avoid or limit the intake of alcohol while on treatment with Fluconazole.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to conceive before starting Fluconazole.
Breast Feeding
cautionFluconazole should be used with caution and only under a doctor's advice if you are a lactating mother. Please seek medical advice for more information.
Driving
cautionFluconazole may sometimes cause dizziness or other side effects that may affect your mental ability to drive. Hence do not drive or operate machinery if you are not mentally alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases when you are prescribed Fluconazole.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases when you are prescribed Fluconazole.
Children
cautionFluconazole should be given to children only when prescribed by a doctor. The doctor decides the right dose for a child based on his/her age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Take non-starchy vegetables and gluten-free foods.
Special Advise
- Regular liver function tests are advised while on treatment with Fluconazole.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you develop rashes or lesions while on treatment with Fluconazole.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal infection: It occurs when a fungus enters, infects, and multiplies in the body. Fungi can live in water, soil, air, and plants. Fungi affect any part of the body, including the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lungs, bladder, genital area, and blood. Mild fungal skin infections are common and can cause rashes. Fungal infections affecting body organs like the lungs can cause flu or tuberculosis. Some fungal diseases like cryptococcal meningitis and blood infections can be fatal.
FAQs
Fluconazole belongs to the class of medicines called 'antifungals' used to treat a broad range of infections caused by fungi and yeast.
Fluconazole works by killing the fungus/yeast and preventing its growth by inhibiting the fungal cell membrane formation. Thus, it treats fungal infections.
Co-administration of terfenadine (anti-histamine), cisapride (antacid) with Fluconazole is not recommended. However, consult your doctor before taking Fluconazole with other medicines.
Fluconazole may not be suitable for some people who have a weakened immune system, diabetes, cancer, or low blood magnesium or potassium levels. However, seek a doctor's advice before using Fluconazole if you have a previous medical history.
Diarrhoea could be a side effect of Fluconazole. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
