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Fluconazole

 

Fluconazole (generic Diflucan) Review

brand name: Diflucan
generic name: Fluconazole

Why is Diflucan prescribed?

Diflucan is used to treat fungal infections called candidiasis (also known as thrush or yeast infections). These include vaginal infections, throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere in the body, such as infections of the urinary tract, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen), and pneumonia. Diflucan is also prescribed to guard against candidiasis in some people receiving bone marrow transplants, and is used to treat meningitis (brain or spinal cord inflammation) caused by another type of fungus.

In addition, Diflucan is now being prescribed for fungal infections in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients with AIDS.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine passes into breast milk. It should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be taken by pregnant women. If you are or think you could be pregnant, you should seek medical advice from your doctor or midwife for treating thrush.
  
  

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about fluconazole written for health professionals that you may read.

Most important fact about Diflucan (Fluconazole)

Strong allergic reactions to Diflucan (Fluconazole), although rare, have been reported. Symptoms may include hives, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing, sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling, itching, or abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.

Warning!

• Diflucan (Fluconazole) one is not suitable for treating oral thrush. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on treating this infection.
  
  
• You should consult your doctor if your symptoms have not got better within a week of taking Diflucan (Fluconazole) one.
  
  
• Men should consult their doctor before taking this medicine if their sexual partner does not have vaginal thrush, or if they have penile sores, ulcers or blisters, an abnormal penile discharge, if their penis has started to smell, or if they have pain on passing urine.
  
  
• Women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine if they are pregnant, blood-stained or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, vulval or vaginal ulcers, blisters or sores, lower abdominal pain, pain passing urine, fever, chills, nausea, or if they have any of the following symptoms: abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, suspect they could be pregnant or are breastfeeding, vomiting or diarrhoea.
  
  
• Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you suffer from kidney disease, unexplained jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) or any other chronic illness or disease, liver disease, or if you are taking any other medicines, particularly those listed at the end of this factsheet.
  
  
• You should consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are not sure about the cause of your symptoms, if you are allergic to other antifungals or thrush treatments, if you have had thrush more than twice in the last six months, if you or your partner have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, or if you are aged under 16 or over 60 years of age.
  
  

What is the most important information I should know about fluconazole?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluconazole, or similar drugs such as tioconazole (Vagistat-1), terconazole (Terazol), sulconazole (Exelderm), sertaconazole (Ertaczo), miconazole (Monistat), ketoconazole (Nizoral), econazole (Spectazole), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), or voriconazole (Vfend). Do not use fluconazole if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid) or terfenadine (Seldane).

Before taking fluconazole, a heart rhythm disorder, kidney disease, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Fluconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.