STORAGE: Store tablets and dry powder below 86 F (30 C). Store injection and reconstituted suspension between 5-30 C (41-86 F). Discard unused portion of the reconstituted suspension after 2 weeks. Protect from freezing.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Fluconazole is used for treating vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida. It may also be effective in treating urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida. Fluconazole is also used for treating cryptococcal meningitis, and prevention of Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow transplantation.
DOSING: 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Hydrochlorothiazide significantly increases the blood concentration of oral fluconazole by reducing the elimination of fluconazole by the kidneys. This interaction may increase the side effects of fluconazole. Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate) reduces the blood concentration of oral fluconazole, probably by reducing the metabolism of fluconazole in the liver therefore, reducing the effectiveness of fluconazole. Fluconazole may increase the concentration of warfarin (Coumadin) in blood by reducing the metabolism of warfarin. Therefore, the effect of warfarin may increase, leading to increased tendency to bleed. Fluconazole also increases the concentration of phenytoin (Dilantin), cyclosporine, zidovudine (Retrovir), theophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin), tolbutamide, glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), glipizide, triazolam (Glucotrol), and midazolam (Versed).
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. Other side effects included diarrhea, dyspepsia, dizziness, rash, and taste disturbance. Rarely, serious allergic reactions, including angioedema (swelling of tissues), may also occur. Liver dysfunction (jaundice, hepatitis) has also been associated with fluconazole.
USES: Fluconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to prevent and treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus or yeast to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset/pain, headache, dizziness, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
