Brand name:
Diflucan (Fluconazole)
Pronounced: Dye-FLEW-can
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.
Most important fact about Diflucan - without
prescriptions
Strong allergic reactions to Diflucan, although rare, have been reported.
Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, sudden drop in blood
pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, diarrhea, or abdominal
pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
How should you take Diflucan?
You can take Diflucan with or without meals.
Take Diflucan exactly as prescribed, and continue taking it for as
long as your doctor instructs. You may begin to feel better after the
first few days; but it takes weeks or even months of treatment to completely
cure certain fungal infections.
If you miss a dose Diflucan (Fluconazole)
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return
to your regular schedule. Do not take double doses.
Storage Diflucan (Fluconazole) instructions...
Diflucan tablets should be stored at normal room temperature. Avoid
exposing them to temperatures above 86°F.
Diflucan side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Diflucan.
The most common side effect for people taking more than one dose is
nausea.
For women taking a single dose to treat vaginal infection, the most
common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea;
changes in taste, dizziness, and indigestion may occur less often.
* Other side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, irregular heartbeat, skin rash,
vomiting
Why should Diflucan not be prescribed?
Do not take Diflucan if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients
or have ever had an allergic reaction to similar drugs, such as Nizoral.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Avoid combining Diflucan with the heartburn medication Propulsid.
The combination has been known to trigger heartbeat irregularities
and other cardiac problems.
Special warnings about Diflucan
Your doctor will watch your liver function carefully while you are
taking Diflucan.
If your immunity is low and you develop a rash, your doctor should
monitor your condition closely. You may have to stop taking Diflucan
if the rash gets worse.
In a small group of patients, drugs similar to Diflucan have caused
irregular heartbeats. If you develop such symptoms while taking Diflucan,
contact your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diflucan
If Diflucan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Diflucan with the following:
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Antidiabetic drugs such as Orinase, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol
Astemizole (Hismanal)
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Terfenadine (Seldane)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Ulcer medications such as Tagamet
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Diflucan during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Diflucan appears in breast milk and could affect
a nursing infant. If Diflucan is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Diflucan
is finished.
Recommended dosage for Diflucan
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
