Diflucan (Fluconazole)

What is Diflucan?

Diflucan is a synthetic triazole antifungal agent.

What is Diflucan used for?

Diflucan is usually used for treating vaginal yeast infections. In addition, it is used for treating infections which are caused by fungus that can invade any part of the body like mouth, esophagus, throat, lungs, genital area, bladder, and blood.

How does Diflucan work?

Diflucan works by hindering the growth of yeast infections.

How to use Diflucan

Take Diflucan in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer period or in larger amount can cause some health ailments. Diflucan is usually taken orally, once daily. It can be taken with or without food or as recommended by the doctor.

Diflucan warnings and precautions

Before starting the course of Diflucan, discuss all the risks, benefits and side effects with the doctor.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or to azole antifungal drugs like ketoconazole and itraconazole. It is suggested to explain your entire medical history to the doctor especially if you are suffering from liver or kidney diseases, certain heart problems like heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG or own a family history of certain heart problems like QT prolongation in the EKG or sudden cardiac death.

Fluconazole may also cause a medical condition that affects the heart rhythm called QT prolongation which can infrequently result in fast or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting that should be given medical attention. 

The risk of side effects may increase if you are using certain medications like diuretics (water pills) or if you are prone to conditions like vomiting, diarrhea or severe sweating.

Do not engage in any such activity that requires alertness like driving and using machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol while the course of Diflucan is on.

What do I do if I have missed a Diflucan dose?

If you have missed your Diflucan dose, take the dose as soon as you remember.  If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your normal schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Diflucan overdose?

If you have taken a Diflucan overdose you should seek medical help.

Diflucan interactions

Before starting the Diflucan medication, inform the health care provider about prescribed, non prescribed and herbal dosages that you are on, especially if you take rifamycins such as rifabutin and rifampin, and warfarin. Diflucan has the tendency to slow down or remove other medications from the body, thereby affecting how they work.

Dilucan may also interact with certain drugs that affect the immune system like cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, eplerenone, certain cholesterol medications like atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, calcium channel blockers like felodipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine, celecoxib, certain drugs to treat diabetes like glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide, certain anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, zidovudine or certain benzodiazepines like alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam.

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Diflucan side effects

Diflucan side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, stomach upset or pain, or dizziness.

There are some of the more serious side effects that may occur rarely. They include severe dizziness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat. This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease.

Some of the less serious allergic side effects of Diflucan include rash, itching or swelling especially on the face, tongue or throat, and troubled breathing. 

Seek immediate medical attention in case any of the mentioned side effects persist or increase.