fluconazole

Medically Reviewed on 10/24/2022

Brand Name: Diflucan

Generic Name: fluconazole

Drug Class: Antifungals, Systemic

What is fluconazole (Diflucan), and what is it used for?

Diflucan (fluconazole) is an anti-fungal medication related to clotrimazole (Lotrimin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). Fluconazole prevents the growth of fungi by preventing the production of the membranes that surround fungal cells.

What are the side effects of fluconazole?

Common side effects of fluconazole include:

Other important side effects include:

Possible serious side effects include:

  • seizures,
  • reduced number of white blood cells,
  • reduced number of blood platelets, and
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Rarely, serious allergic reactions, including angioedema (swelling of tissues), may also occur. Liver dysfunction (jaundice, hepatitis) and abnormal heartbeats have been associated with fluconazole. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has also been reported.

What is the dosage for fluconazole?

  • 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.

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Which drugs interact with fluconazole?

Is fluconazole safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

  • There are no adequate studies of Diflucan in pregnant women. There are reports of harmful effects on the fetus when high-dose fluconazole was administered to pregnant women for a few months. The use of fluconazole during pregnancy is not recommended.
  • Diflucan is secreted in breast milk at concentrations similar to the mother's blood level. However, fluconazole is used for treating neonates with fungal infections and for treating lactation-associated Candida infections. Available evidence suggests that the use of fluconazole during breastfeeding has little risk.

Summary

Diflucan (fluconazole) is a drug prescribed to treat fungal infections caused by Candida, for example, vaginal, oral, esophageal, urinary tract, pneumonia, and peritonitis. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, rash, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed before taking this medication.

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See more info: fluconazole on RxList
Medically Reviewed on 10/24/2022
References
FDA Prescribing Information