Fluconazole (
Diflucan®) is a prescription antifungal medication. It is approved to treat a variety of different fungal infections, such as
yeast infections and thrush. It can also be used to prevent
yeast infections in people undergoing bone marrow transplantations.
Just like any medicine, fluconazole may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people actually tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
(Click Fluconazole Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking fluconazole if you have:
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, hepatitis, or cirrhosis
- Heart disease
- An irregular heart rhythm
- Long QT syndrome
- An electrolyte imbalance
- Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Does Fluconazole Work?
Fluconazole belongs to a group of medications known commonly as "azole" antifungals. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that is used by fungal cells to make ergosterol, an important component of the fungal cell membrane. As a result, there is not enough ergosterol and too much of the compounds that are normally used to make it, and fungal growth is inhibited.
When and How to Take This Medicine
Some general considerations for those taking fluconazole include the following:
Dosing Information
The dose of fluconazole your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age and weight (for children)
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Overdose on Fluconazole?
People who take too much of this medicine may experience effects such as (but not limited to):
- Hallucinations
- Paranoid behavior.
If you happen to overdose on fluconazole, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Usually, this is not an issue, since fluconazole is most often taken as a single dose. However, the medication is sometimes taken for several doses. If you forget to take your dose, take the missed one as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule -- never take a double dose.
Fluconazole products (including the oral suspension) should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets. The oral suspension is good for two weeks after it is mixed by a pharmacist.
Is Generic Fluconazole Available?
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name fluconazole is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers.
The medication is available in the following strengths and forms:
- Fluconazole 50 mg tablets
- Fluconazole 100 mg tablets
- Fluconazole 150 mg tablets
- Fluconazole 200 mg tablets
- Fluconazole powder for oral suspension (which is mixed by a pharmacist to a concentration of 10 or 40 mg per mL, depending on the strength)
- Fluconazole 2 mg per mL injection (available in various package sizes).
