What is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is an antifungal antibiotic that is used against infections caused by fungus, which can affect any part of the body including mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, genitals, and blood. This medicine is also used against fungal infection in people with compromised immunity such as that induced by cancer treatment, bone marrow transplant, or diseases such as AIDS.
Fluconazole is sold under various trade names, some of which are Diflucan, Zocon DT (made by FDC), Fluka (made by Cipla), and Flucomet (made by Milmet). It is available as tablets and eye drops.

Important Information about Fluconazole

Fluconazole antifungal medicine (Diflucan, Zocon DT, Fluka, Flucomet) should not be taken if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs like clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconcazole, sertaconazole, sulconzole, terconazole, tioconazole, or voriconazole. This medicine should not be taken along with cisapride.
Prior to taking Fluconazole, notify your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of Long QT syndrome. You must take this medicine for the entire prescribed period, even after all the symptoms have disappeared. The infection may still not be wiped out from your body. Not taking this medicine as prescribed can worsen your condition and cause an infection which is drug resistant.
Fluconazole is an FDA pregnancy category D drug. You must not take more than 1 dose of this medicine if you are pregnant. A single dose of Fluconazole for vaginal yeast infection is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, using this medicine for a long time can be harmful to an unborn baby and cause birth defects. While taking Fluconazole, use effective form of contraception. This medicine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without proper medical advice if you are breast feeding.

Before taking Fluconazole

Before taking Fluconazole antifungal medicine (Diflucan, Zocon DT, Fluka, Flucomet), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug. 

How should I take Fluconazole?

Take Fluconazole antifungal medication (Diflucan, Zocon DT, Fluka, Flucomet) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Fluconazole, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Fluconazole, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immetiately.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Fluconazole

Follow your doctor’s advice on any food or activity restrictions while taking Fluconazole.

Fluconazole Side Effects

Some common side effects of Fluconazole are nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. If any of these side effects continue for long time or deteriorate, seek medical attention right away.
Fluconazole may rarely cause a serious liver disease or other serious side effects. Signs of liver damage are severe stomach or abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine or unusual tiredness. Call your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects due to Fluconazole.
The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Fluconazole. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away. 

Fluconazole Dosing Information

Fluconazole dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Many other drugs can interact with Fluconazole. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any of the following drugs: a blood thinner like warfarin or clopidogrel, alfentanil, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine methadone pimozide prednisone saquinavir, sirolimus, tacrolimus, theophylline, voriconazole, antidepressants, cancer medicines, cholesterol lowering medicines, heart or blood pressure medicines, NSAIDs, oral diabetes medicines, rifabutin, sedative drugs, or seizure medicines.
However, these are not the only medicines that can interact with Fluconazole. There may be others as well. Inform your doctor about all other medicines and related products which you may be using. Never start a new medication without consulting your doctor first.