You too may have been prescribed this Fluconazole pill by a doctor for a fungal infection. It could be a vaginal yeast infection, or it could be another fungal condition that affects the skin, mouth, or throat. Although this medication is very commonly used, it is important for your safety to be fully informed about it. So, today we will talk about this Fluconazole pill clearly and simply.
What is Fluconazole?
Simply put, Fluconazole is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals. Its main function is to treat and prevent fungal or yeast infections in the body.
Very important: This medicine does not cure viral infections like colds and flu, nor illnesses caused by bacteria. It only works on fungi .
Although this medicine is available under various brand names in Sri Lanka and around the world, Diflucan is a very well-known brand name. However, no matter what the name of the medicine the doctor prescribes, it contains the active ingredient Fluconazole.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing Fluconazole to you, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Heartbeat irregularities: If you have a fast, irregular heartbeat, or other heart rhythm problems.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Liver disease: If there is any problem related to liver function.
- Low blood potassium levels: If you have previously been diagnosed with low blood potassium levels.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Fluconazole or other similar azole antifungals. Also tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant soon, you should tell your doctor in advance.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child, please also mention that.
It is very important for your safety to provide this information to your doctor, as this will help them determine the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine is taken orally as a pill. Follow the dosage and duration prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount or take it more frequently.
If you give it to small children...
This medicine can be given to children as young as 6 months old when needed. However, it requires special care. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Treat this as an emergency.
The most important thing is that this medicine is prescribed for you only . Do not share your medicine with others for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with Fluconazole
Fluconazole is a drug that can interact with many other medications. This means that when taken with other medications, the effects of Fluconazole or the effects of the other medication may change, or dangerous side effects may occur.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Absolutely DO NOT take Fluconazole with these medications. | |
| Drugs that affect heart rhythm | Other medications that cause heart rhythm abnormalities (QT interval prolongation), such as Triazolam, Flibanserin, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib. |
| Be very careful when taking Fluconazole with these medications. | |
| Antibiotics | Rifabutin, such as Rifampin. |
| Medicines for HIV or Hepatitis | Some antiviral drugs. |
| Blood pressure, heart disease | Some medications given for these conditions. |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Such as Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin. |
| Medication for depression | Such as Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline. |
| Diabetes medication | Such as Glipizide, Glyburide. |
| Medicines for seizures | Such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin. |
| Anticoagulant | Like Warfarin. |
| Painkillers | NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, and other painkillers such as Fentanyl and Methadone. |
| Other medications | Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, Prednisone (steroid), Theophylline, Vitamin A, and many other medications. |
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular checkups: Go to your doctor's appointments and have your checkups done regularly. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, he or she may also order blood work.
- Be aware of symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, tell your doctor. Some fungal infections may require weeks or months of treatment to fully heal.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Fluconazole. Alcohol can increase the damage it can do to your liver.
- Special instructions for vaginal infections: If you are being treated for a vaginal infection, avoid having sex until the treatment is complete. Use sanitary napkins instead of tampons. Wear well-washed cotton underwear instead of underwear made of synthetic fabrics.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Fluconazole can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and extreme fatigue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), seizures, swollen lymph nodes with fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Common side effects | Change in taste, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Fluconazole is a specific medication for fungal infections that should be taken only on medical advice.
- Before starting the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Follow the dosage and duration prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- If you experience serious side effects such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine, or severe skin rashes while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately .
- Avoid alcohol completely.
- Never give the medicine prescribed for you to someone else.
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