Diflucan (Fluconazole)

Description

Also known by its main ingredient, fluconazole, Diflucan is a medication that fights fungi. It is used in the treatment of many fungal infections like those of the mouth, lungs, bladder, genitalia and the bloodstream.

 

It can also prevent the development of infections caused by fungi in people with low or weakened immunity. This weaker immune system can be due to a variety of factors such as chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and HIV/AIDs.

 

Important information

 

There are some medicines that can react adversely with Diflucan, such as erythromycin, quinidine (quinine) and pimozide among others. If you are using any medication when you start treatment with Diflucan, tell your doctor immediately.

 

If you are going to be taking Diflucan as treatment for a fungal infection, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart conditions like arrhythmia. Also tell the doctor if you have a current hepatic or renal disorder or Long QT Syndrome.

 

When taking a course of Diflucan, make sure that you keep taking it for the amount of time your doctor has advised you to. Sometimes, symptoms recede before the infection has been eradicated from the body. Finish the course if this happens. If you skip the final doses, your infection could return and be immune to the medication.

 

Diflucan is meant for the treatment of fungal infections. Taking it will not lessen the symptoms of viral diseases like influenza or the common cold. Do not take Diflucan if you are allergic to the main ingredient, fluconazole, or if you are on quinine or pimozide.

 

Tell your doctor if you have a hepatic disease (condition of the liver), HIV, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, arrhythmia, Long QT Syndrome, renal diseases (and if you are on dialysis), and allergies to any antifungal medication.

 

If you are lactose or galactose intolerant, make sure you tell your doctor before taking the suspension of Diflucan (the orally taken liquid form of the medicine) as it contains sucrose (starch, sugar). If you take a single dose of this drug in order to treat yeast infection in women, there aren’t going to be any effects on unborn kids.

 

If you are currently pregnant with a child, you should not take more than a single dose of this medication. Diflucan taken for longer periods of time can cause birth defects in unborn children. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant soon, tell your doctor immediately.

 

In the event that you don’t want to become pregnant and are taking birth control medication, remember that Diflucan can reduce the potency of contraceptive pills. Try using barrier methods of birth control in conjunction with the course of pills.

 

Nursing children are at risk of adverse effects when exposed to Diflucan in mothers’ milk. Do not take this medication if you are nursing a newborn. Tell your doctor before taking this medication if you are about to give birth.

 

 

 

Dosage

 

Make sure you take Diflucan exactly as your doctor has told you to in your prescription. Never take extra Diflucan or less than the amount that you have been advised to. Do not take this drug for longer than your doctor tells you to.

 

Depending on the infection you are suffering from, the dosage is going to differ. For example, a single dose of the medicine is enough to treat most vaginal infections such as yeast. For the infections that aren’t treated this way, the first dosage might be doubled. Follow the doctor’s orders closely.

 

Meals don’t have an effect on the potency of Diflucan. You can take it before, after or with meals. If you are taking the liquid form of the medicine, shake well before use. Measure your doses using a pharmacy purchased measuring spoon or cup. Do not use a normal tablespoon.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take extra to make up for a missed dose. Ignore the one you missed if you are almost ready for your next dose. If you overdose, contact EMS and the local poison hotline immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Abdominal pain
 Nausea
 Diarrhea
 Dizzy feeling
 Headaches
 Sense of taste changes

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Chest pain, severe dizziness
 Rapid, hard pulse
 Fever and flu symptoms
 Weakness
 Seizures
 Jaundice
 Severe nausea
 Severe skin reactions

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

Stop taking Diflucan immediately if you have an allergic reaction such as hives, rashes and trouble breathing.

 

Do not take Diflucan with prednisone, halofantrine and other drugs. Tell your doctor about all medication you are currently on.