GENERIC NAME: fluconazole
BRAND NAME: Diflucan
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Antifungal (treatment of
certain
fungus infections).
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Suspension content per bottle is 350mg
(when
diluted 10mg per ml) and 1400mg (when diluted 40mg per ml).
Tablets are
available in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg from Roerig Labs.
Intravenous
solutions are available.
STORAGE: Store tablets in a dry place at 20-25 degrees
C (68-77
F), oral suspensions after dilution at 5-30 degrees C (41-86 F)
the oral
suspension should be discarded in 2 weeks after reconstituted.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Oral, esophageal, urinary, vaginal and
possibly
other organ infections caused by the fungus Candida.
Fluconazole has also
been used in the fungal infection Cryptococcus.
DOSING: Fluconazole is taken orally or by intravenous
injection.
Modified dosing is needed if the patient has impaired renal
function or if
taking certain other medications at the same time. Please
consult your
pharmacist or physician if taking other medications with
fluconazole. This
drug can be used in children and has been effective down to the
age of 6
months of age. Fluconazole can cause liver damage in rare cases
and the
liver should be monitored if taken for several days.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Caution if taking certain other
medications
with fluconazole such as phenytoin, cyclosporin, theophylline and coumadin. If a rash
occurs while taking this medication notify your
doctor.
PREGNANCY: Use of fluconazole in pregnancy is not
usually
recommended.
NURSING MOTHERS: Use of fluconazole in nursing mothers
is not
usually recommended.
SIDE EFFECTS: The incidence of side effects from this
medication is relatively high (up to 25%) Many (13%) may get
headaches.
Some patients develop nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or
dizziness.
Severe skin rash may occur but is uncommon.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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