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 |


