fluconazole, Diflucan
Pharmacy Author:
Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Omudhome Ogbru, PharmDDr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99. Medical and Pharmacy Editor:
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MDJay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
GENERIC NAME: fluconazoleBRAND NAME: DiflucanDRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Fluconazole is an anti-fungal medication related to clotrimazole (Lotrimin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. The Food and Drug Administration approved fluconazole in January 1990. PRESCRIPTION: yes GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 50, 100, 150, 200 mg. Oral Suspension: 10 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml. Injection: 2 mg/ml STORAGE: Store tablets and dry powder below 86 F (30 C). Store injection and reconstituted suspension between 5-30 C (41-86 F). Discard unused portion of the reconstituted suspension after 2 weeks. Protect from freezing. PRESCRIBED FOR: Fluconazole is used for treating vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida. It may also be effective in treating urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida. Fluconazole is also used for treating cryptococcal meningitis, and prevention of Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow transplantation. DOSING: The usual adult dose is 50-400 mg daily depending on the type of infection. Although symptoms of oral candida infections may subside in a few days treatment is continued for 2 weeks. Esophageal Candida infections are treated for 3 weeks or longer. Treatment of cryptococcal meningitis may last for 10-12 weeks after cerebrospinal fluid cultures become negative. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Hydrochlorothiazide significantly increases the blood concentration of oral fluconazole by reducing the elimination of fluconazole by the kidneys. This interaction may increase the side effects of fluconazole. Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate) reduces the blood concentration of oral fluconazole, probably by reducing the metabolism of fluconazole in the liver; therefore, reducing the effectiveness of fluconazole. Fluconazole may increase the concentration of warfarin (Coumadin) in blood by reducing the metabolism of warfarin. Therefore, the effect of warfarin may increase, leading to increased tendency to bleed. Fluconazole also increases the concentration of phenytoin (Dilantin), cyclosporine, zidovudine (Retrovir), theophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin), tolbutamide, glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), glipizide, triazolam (Glucotrol), and midazolam (Versed).
Back to Medications Index |
Suggested Reading on fluconazole, Diflucan by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
14 articles-
Yeast Infection
- Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
-
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and/or urethra. Not everyone with a UTI has symptoms. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate and a painful, burning when urinating.
-
Ringworm
- The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
-
Pneumonia
- Pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always due to infection. The infection may be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough with sputum production, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
-
Athlete's Foot
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
-
Thrush
- Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever.
-
Jock Itch
- Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
-
Folliculitis
- Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas my infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
-
Fungal Nails
- Fungal nails (onychomycosis) may be caused by many species of fungi but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal onychomycosis starts as a discolored area at the nail's corner and slowly spread toward the cuticle. In proximal subungal onychomycosis, the infection starts at the cuticle and spreads toward the nail tip. Yeast onychomycosis is caused by Candida and may be the most common cause of fungal fingernail.
-
Meningitis
- Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that causes sudden fever, vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck and back, drowsiness, and irritability. Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck.
-
Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children
- Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Oral thrush and yeast infections are treated orally or topically with an antifungal antibiotic called Nystatin.
-
Valley Fever
- Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by the inhalation of the Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii fungus. Symptoms are flu-like and resolve over two to six weeks. Infection typically requires no treatment, though there are many antifungal drugs to treat valley fever.
-
High Cholesterol: Frequently Asked Questions
- Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, TIAs, and more. In addition to medication (fibrates, statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin), lifestyle changes can be made to lower blood cholesterol levels
-
Cryptococcosis
- Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the Cryptococcus fungus. Cryptococcus is spread through inhalation of airborne fungi. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, altered mental status, coughing, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends upon the severity of infection and the health status of the patient.
-
Yeast Infection
-
Medications
4 articles -
Procedures & Tests
4 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
2 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
8 articles -
Health News
1 articles -
Health Features
1 articles
