Fluconazole

What is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole, also known as Diflucan, is a anti-fungal medication used for the treatment of yeast infections. Yeast infections, such as thrush, are caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms include itching and irritation of the genitals. For severe scrotal yeast infections not responding to topical therapy (such as nystatin cream or clotrimazole cream), doctors may prescribe oral fluconazole.

What are yeast infections?

Yeast infections are a common condition caused by the candida fungus. Common symptoms in men include pain, itching, redness and irritation around the genitals, scrotum and surrounding skin. A yeast infection occurs when the candida fungus, that normally lives in the gut, proliferates too quickly. Many people have the fungus on their body, but it doesn't cause any issues. However, antibiotics, stress, excessive moisture and other factors can encourage the fungus to grow, causing a yeast infection. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Fluconazole is 150mg fluconazole, an anti-fungal agent. 

Inactive ingredients

The following ingredients are also found in Fluconazole: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake dye, and magnesium stearate.

Please note, inactive ingredients may vary between different generic manufacturers.

Fluconazole Dosage

For yeast infections affecting the genitals, Fluconazole is taken as a single one-off dose of 150mg. Within a few days, the infection should start to respond to the Fluconazole treatment. You should always take Fluconazole as directed by your doctor. 

How should I take Fluconazole 150mg?

For yeast infections, Fluconazole is taken as a single dose of 150mg tablets. You can take the tablets with water, to make it easier to swallow. You do not need to take Fluconazole with or without food. You should always take Fluconazole as instructed by the prescribing physician. 

Precautions

Fluconazole 150mg for yeast infections is not recommended for people who have severe symptoms, a history of complicated fungal infections, immunosuppression or poorly controlled diabetes. If any of these apply, you should ensure that your doctor is informed as you may require a stronger or more long-term treatment. 

Side Effects

Fluconazole generally does not produce too many side effects, however some people to experience headaches (13%), dizziness, nausea (7%), abdominal pain (6%), diarrhea (1%), and an abnormal taste in the mouth (1%).

Drug Interactions

Some medications can interact with Fluconazole, therefore it is important that you always inform your doctor of any medications and/or supplements that you take. The following medicines have a known interaction with Fluconazole:

• Oral hypoglycemics
• Coumarin-type anticoagulants
• Phenytoin
• Cyclosporine
• Rifampin
• Theophylline
• Terfenadine
• Cisapride
• Astemizole
• Rifabutin
• Voriconazole
• Tacrolimus
• Short-acting benzodiazepines
• Triazolam
• Oral Contraceptives
• Pimozide
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Alfentanil
• Amitriptyline, nortriptyline
• Amphotericin B
• Azithromycin
• Carbamazepine
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Celecoxib
• Cyclophosphamide
• Fentanyl
• Halofantrine
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
• Losartan
• Methadone
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Prednisone
• Saquinavir
• Sirolimus
• Vinca Alkaloids
• Vitamin A
• Zidovudine

Where possible, you should avoid taking these medications together with Fluconazole. Ensure your doctor is aware if you are taking any of the above treatments. You should consult your doctor if you are unsure.

Contraindications

You should not take Fluconazole if any of the following conditions apply:

• If you have an allergy to Fluconazole or any other ingredients in contained in the tablets (see ingredients)
• If you are taking any of the following drugs: Terfenadine, Astemizole, Cisapride, Erythromycin, Pimozide or Quinidine.