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.
- Diflucan is used for treating vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida. It is used for treating uncomplicated, complicated, or recurrent vaginal Candida infections.
- Diflucan also may be effective in treating urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia, and disseminated infections caused by Candida.
- Diflucan is used for treating cryptococcal meningitis, and prevention of Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow transplantation.
What are the side effects of fluconazole?
Common side effects of fluconazole include:
- headache,
- nausea, and
- abdominal pain.
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.
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerWhich drugs interact with fluconazole?
- Hydrochlorothiazide increases the blood concentration of fluconazole by 40%. However, dosage modification is not recommended when both drugs are combined.
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate) reduces the blood concentration of oral fluconazole, probably by increasing the elimination of fluconazole in the liver; therefore, reducing the effectiveness of fluconazole.
- Fluconazole may increase the concentration of warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) in blood by reducing the elimination of warfarin. Therefore, the effect of warfarin may increase, leading to an increased tendency to bleed.
- Fluconazole also increases the concentration of the following drugs in the blood, and as a result, the risk of side effects of these drugs may increase. These drugs include:
- phenytoin (Dilantin),
- cyclosporine,
- zidovudine (Retrovir),
- saquinavir (Invirase),
- theophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin),
- tolbutamide,
- glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase),
- glipizide,
- triazolam (Glucotrol),
- midazolam (Versed),
- celecoxib (Celebrex),
- fentanyl (Sublimaze),
- atorvastatin (Lipitor),
- simvastatin (Zocor), and
- lovastatin (Mevacor).
- As a result, the risk of side effects from the above drugs may increase.
- Combining fluconazole with amiodarone (Cordarone), pimozide (Orap), bepridil (Vascor), or other drugs that affect heart rhythm may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
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.
Health News
- After Salmonella Cases Double in a Week, Cantaloupe Recall Expanded
- Soccer 'Heading' Tied to Declines in Brain Function
- Smoking Tobacco Plus Weed Greatly Raises Odds for Emphysema
- COVID Vaccines Curbed Pandemic-Linked Surge in Preemie Births
- Could a 'Brain Coach' Help Folks at Higher Risk for Alzheimer's?
More Health News »
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.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication
Bladder infections can be painful and often require medical treatment. Get the latest information on urinary tract infections...
-
Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fungal skin infections and fungal nail infections produce symptoms like red, itchy, circular rashes and thick, discolored, flaky...
-
Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and...
-
Picture of Ringworm Tinea Corporis (Faciei)
Ringworm infection on a 51-year-old woman's skin. Ringworm (tinea) is a disease caused by a fungal infection of the skin. It can...
-
Picture of Ringworm Tinea Pedis
Close-up of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) on the foot of a 66year old man. See a picture of Ringworm Tinea Pedis and learn more...
-
Picture of Ringworm Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis)
Ringworm - Tinea unguium or onchomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the nails. It is normally caused by the dermatophyte...
-
Picture of Folliculitis
Folliculitis. Folliculitis affects skin around a hair follicle, usually causing tender, pus-filled inflammations. It can happen...
-
Picture of Fixed Drug Eruption
Fixed drug eruption. FDEs occur as an allergic reaction to drug exposure and appear as round, dark spots on the skin. Pain and...
-
Meningitis Quiz: Test Your Infectious Disease IQ
What is meningitis and what causes it? Take our Meningitis Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, treatments, and complications of...
-
Ringworm Quiz: Test your Medical IQ
-
Yeast Infection Quiz: Symptoms & Treatment
How much do you know about vaginal yeast infections? Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a yeast infection with the...
-
Urinary Tract Infection Quiz
How would you know if you had urinary tract infection (UTI)? Take the Urinary Tract Infection in Adult Quiz to learn the causes,...
-
Picture of Ringworm of the Nails
This is the most common fungal infection of the nails, also called onychomycosis. See a picture of Ringworm of the Nails and...
-
Picture of Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)
The most common fungus infection of the nails is onychomycosis. See a picture of Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection) and learn...
-
Picture of Pet Ringworm
Ringworm is an example of a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans). See a picture of Pet Ringworm and learn more...
-
Picture of Ringworm of the Hand
Ringworm may involve the hands, particularly the palms and the spaces between the fingers. See a picture of Ringworm of the Hand...
-
Picture of Fungal Nail Infection
Nails that are infected with a fungus may become discolored (yellowish-brown or opaque), thick and brittle, and may separate from...
-
Picture of Yeast Infections (Thrush in Babies)
Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. See a picture of Yeast Infection (Thrush)...
-
Picture of Types of Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin disorder otherwise known as tinea. See a picture of Types of Ringworm and learn more about the health...
-
Picture of Ringworm Illustration
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin previously thought to be due to a parasite (worm). See a picture of Ringworm and learn...
-
Picture of Ringworm
This superficial skin infection, also known as tinea, is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. See a picture of Ringworm and...
-
Picture of Baby Yeast Infections
Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. See a picture of Baby Yeast Infections and...
-
Top Tips for Beautiful Teeth and Gums
Explore tips for beautiful teeth and gums. Brighten your smile and keep healthy gums with these easy and simple tools.
Related Disease Conditions
-
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.
-
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
-
Tongue Problems
There are a variety of diseases and conditions that can cause tongue problems, discoloration, and soreness. Though most tongue problems are not serious. Conditions such as leukoplakia, oral thrush, and oral lichen planus may cause a white tongue while Kawasaki syndrome, scarlet fever, and geographic tongue may cause the tongue to appear red. A black hairy tongue may be caused by overgrown papillae on the tongue. Canker sores, smoking, and trauma may cause soreness of the tongue.
-
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas may infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
-
Ringworm
The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection 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. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
-
Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
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. Treatment of thrush depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Infants, toddlers, and children with thrush often do not require treatment.
-
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms and signs include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. Antibiotics treat pneumonia, and the choice of the antibiotic depends upon the cause of the infection.
-
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections in women are caused by an organism called Candida albicans. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal pain with urination, vaginal discharge, odor, and itching. Treatment is generally OTC medications. A man can contract a yeast infection from his female sexual partner. Symptoms of a yeast infection in men include penile itching. Treatment is with oral or topical medication.
-
Yeast Infection vs. Diaper Rash in Infants, Toddlers, and Children
Diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children is caused by Candida, the most common type of fungus. Signs and symptoms of diaper rash includes red, elevated skin that may be visible under and in the creases of the skin, groin, or anus. Yeast diaper rash is not painful. Treatments for diaper rash include antibiotic creams, lotions, natural home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, and oral antibiotics. Yeast infections in infants, babies, toddlers, and children can cause diaper rash and thrush. Signs and symptoms of thrush include thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base that can form on the tongue, palate, or elsewhere inside the palate. Treatment for yeast infections caused by Candida fungi are similar to the treatments for diaper rash. If Candida gets into the bloodstream of an individual they may get sick with or without a fever. If the Candida infection spreads throughout the body up to 45% of people may die. Even with common mouth thrush can cause critical illness and may be more resistant to normal treatment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Vaginitis (Inflammation of the Vagina)
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis can be caused by infections, menopause, or poor hygiene. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal itching, discharge, odor, pain, or discomfort. Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics may be necessary for some forms of vaginitis.
-
Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?
Yeast is a fungus that has many types. A type of yeast that can cause infection in humans is called Candida. Candida can infect the mouth, vagina, penis, or other areas of the body. Symptoms of yeast infections depend on the area infected, however, may include itching, bumps on the skin, a reddish rash, or patches of skin that ooze a clear or yellow liquid. Most yeast infections are not contagious even though they are caused by a fungus.
-
What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of a Yeast Infection?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your yeast infection symptoms and speed up your recovery. Learn how to safely get rid of a yeast infection while pregnant.
-
Is Ringworm Contagious?
A fungus causes ringworm. Ringworm can be transmitted from person to person. Animals may also spread ringworm. Ringworm causes an itchy, ring-shaped red rash with hair loss. Treatment incorporates the use of topical medication.
-
Oral Thrush 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.
-
Yeast infections vs. STDs in Men and Women
STDs, also termed sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are mainly transmitted to others during direct sexual contact. A yeast infection is the invasion and multiplication of a fungus (yeast) in or on the body.
-
Side Effects of Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast, meaning the yeast cells are killed while being processed and the inactive yeast is the final product. Nutritional yeast may cause digestive problems, migraines and facial flushing.
-
How Do You Get Rid of a Yeast Infection In Your Mouth (Oral Thrush, Candidiasis)?
Learn what medical treatments can ease a yeast infection in your mouth, ease the symptoms of oral thrush, and speed up your recovery.
-
What Happens if You Don't Treat a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are contagious. They can be transmitted through sexual contact. Those with weak immunity have a high risk of the infection. Yeast infections can be vaginal (candidiasis), oral (thrush) or penile. Untreated yeast infections may spread to other areas, cause symptoms or pass to others.
-
Fungal Arthritis
Fungal arthritis is inflammation of a joint by a fungus that has invaded the body and is growing in the normally sterile joint. Fungal arthritis symptoms and signs include pain, redness, loss of range of motion, and swelling. Fungal arthritis treatment includes antibiotics, adequate drainage of the joint, and sometimes surgery.
-
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
-
Histoplasmosis (Cave Disease)
Histoplasmosis (cave disease) is a disease caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia and include chest pain, fever, and sweats. Antifungal medications are used in treatment.
-
9 Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection is also called vaginal candidiasis. It is caused when there is an overgrowth of a germ called Candida albicans that is a normal resident of the vagina.
-
What Is the Main Cause of a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are mainly caused by yeast-like fungus named Candida or Monilia. Yeast infections may affect the skin, mouth or vagina. Your doctor will use different methods of testing yeast infections depending on the area of your infection or symptoms.
-
Is Thrush Contagious?
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. An infant with thrush can infect his/her mother with thrush during breastfeeding. Treatment typically involves using antifungal lozenges or mouthwash.
-
Brain Eating Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)
Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba found in freshwater and soil. Infection results when the amoeba enters the nose and travels to the brain and spinal cord, causing primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which destroys brain tissue.
-
Ringworm vs. Eczema
While ringworm is a fungal infection, and eczema is a skin condition, both are characterized by itchiness. Eczema patches are leathery while ringworm involves ring formation on the skin. Over-the-counter antifungals treat ringworm. Topical creams and ointments treat eczema.
-
Yeast Infection vs. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Candida albicans typically causes vaginal yeast infections. Bacterial infections typically cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Thick white cottage-cheese like vaginal discharge characterizes vaginal yeast infections. Painful, frequent urination characterize urinary tract infections. Antifungal medications treat yeast infections while prescription antibiotics treat UTIs.
-
What Is Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)?
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.
-
Is Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) Contagious?
Jock itch is a fungal infection in the groin area that causes a raised, itchy, red rash. Jock itch can typically be treated with antifungal medications. People may need to seek medical care for jock itch if the groin area becomes swollen, tender, if red streaks appear, or if the lymph nodes become swollen.
-
Yeast Infection vs. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) both cause vaginal discharge. Yeast infection discharge is thick, white, and had a cottage cheese consistency. BV discharge is whitish-gray and is thinner. Vaginal odor, irritation, and pain may also be present. Treatment of yeast infections includes over-the-counter and prescription antifungals. BV treatment involves antibiotics.
-
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.
-
Is Nutritional Yeast Good for You?
If you are a vegetarian, nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamin B12 and complete protein. Even nonvegetarians can eat or make use of this yeast in their food as a health supplement. Nutritional yeast is a low-salt, low-fat food product with a high concentration of proteins and vitamins (vitamin B12, folic acid and biotin).
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection FAQs
- Yeast Infection FAQs
- Meningitis FAQs
- Ringworm FAQs
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Is Yeast Vaginitis Related to Hay Fever?
- Is There a Diet That Can Control or Prevent Yeast Vaginitis?
- Can Yeast Infection Cause Low Back Pain?
- What Causes Yeast Infections (Vaginitis)?
- What Is Yeast Supposed to Look Like?
- Does Stress Cause Yeast Infection?
- Does Douching Cause Yeast Infections?
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.