Diflucan – Information, Uses, Side effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: Diflucan

Category: Azole Antifungals

Generic Name: Fluconazole

Introduction and Quick Information:

Diflucan is a triazole antifungal medication used in the prevention and treatment of various fungal infections. It belongs to the group of drugs called azole antifungals. Moreover, it is also prescribed to prevent the growth of fungal infection in the people with weak immune systems caused because of various factors such as bone marrow transplant, cancer treatment and immune system diseases like AIDS.

Is Diflucan Approved by U.S. FDA?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) has approved Diflucan (generic name fluconazole) in January 1990 for treating of several fungal discomforts. It is prescribed to stop the development of fungal infections.

Usage and Benefits of Diflucan

Diflucan is used for treating esophageal, oral and vaginal fungal infections caused by Candida, i.e. a parasitic fungus. It might also be prescribed for the treatment of peritonitis, urinary tract infection, pneumonia and disseminated infection caused by fungus. Moreover, It is also used in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis and prevention of candida infection in people who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy after bone marrow transplantation.

Diflucan is widely used for the treatment of following Infections:

• Bloodstream infections (candidemia)
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Thrush of throat and mouth
• Urinary tract infections
• Infection throughout much of the body (disseminated candidiasis)
• Peritonitis
• Cryptococcal meningitis (fungal infection that affects spinal cord)

Besides these, your doctor might recommend you Diflucan for various other infections depending on the condition and symptoms.

Side Effects of Diflucan

If you are using Diflucan for any medical condition and observe any of the side effects listed below, it is advised to call for immediate medical assistance so that you can counter these side effects. These are:

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Unusual weakness
• Nausea, stomach pain
• Body aches, flu symptoms
• Severe blistering
• Red skin rash
• Fever, chills
• Clay-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Loss of appetite, dark urine
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, or upset stomach
• Headache
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Dizziness

Sings of allergic reaction, such as

• Unexplained rash
• Itching
• Unexplained swelling of mouth, throat, or lips
• Hives
• Wheezing or other breathing problems

You might observe a few of these side-effects or maybe none of them. There is no certain side-effect of Diflucan usage. Also, there are chances that you might observe a side-effect that isn’t listed here. So, it is advised to immediately consult your doctor if you observe any kind of discomfort when using the drug.

General Recommended Dosage of Diflucan

Dose of Diflucan depends on number of factors related to patient’s health and condition including-

• patient’s age and weight
• other medications patients are taking
• the medical condition being treated
• certain medical condition patient may have

This medicine is used for the treatment of various fungal infections, thus the dose depends on the infection for which the medicine has been prescribed.  For example, vaginal infections are generally treated with one pill but it does not mean your doctor will provide similar dosage for rest of the fungal infections as well.

Dosage depends on your fungal infection condition and doctor will prescribe this medication considering your infection and other health condition as well. Also, you should take every dose according to dosing schedule explained by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in small or larger amounts or for a longer period than the recommended as it can cause some side effects. Remember, this medicine is only prescribed to treat fungal infection, do not use it for a viral infection such as common cold and flu.

In Case I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is too late and already time for the next dose, don’t overlap both doses as it can cause an overdose of Diflucan.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Overdosage of Diflucan can cause symptoms like confusion and weird thoughts. Thus, in case of overdose, it is advised to call for immediate medical help. 

Drug Interactions of Diflucan

Diflucan can potentially interact with other drugs or medications. Never forget to inform your doctor if you have been using any of the below-mentioned drugs or medication before taking Diflucan.

• Certain benzodiazepines such as quazepam (Doral), midazolam (Versed), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Vallium), etc. 
• Sulfonylureas such as tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glyburide (DiaBeta).
• Cisapride (Propulsid)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• Pimozide (Orap)
• Ranolazine (Ranexa)
• Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
• Quinine (Qualaquin)
• Tacrolimus (Astagraf XL)
• Theophylline (Elixophyllin)
• Thioridazine (Mellaril)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

These are some drugs that can have serious interactions with Diflucan. However, there are various other drugs that can also interact with it. Thus, it is advised to consult your doctor before consuming any other drug along with Diflucan. 

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Diflucan

Lifestyle and food habits do matters if you are following any medical guideline. Since it is prescribed for fungal infections hence you should restrict your lifestyle and food habits as there are some foods that can make your condition worse while lessening the effects of Diflucan.

Some poor lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, etc. are also responsible for causing various health discomforts and can also worsen your condition.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions such as-

• A heart rhythm problem
• Liver disease or infection
• Kidney disease or infection
• A personal or family history of “Long QT Syndrome”

Also, you have to make various diet changes as you can’t eat every food if you are suffering from a fungal infection. Thus, it is advised to ask your doctor to recommend you a proper diet while the treatment is in progress.

Do not take this medication if you have an allergic reaction to Diflucan or similar drugs such as miconazole (Oravig), econazole (Ecoza), voriconazole (VFEND), ketoconazole (Nizoral), sulconazole (Exelderm), terconazole (Terazol 3), etc.

While taking this medicine, do not go on any diet regime without informing your doctor.

How Safe Is Diflucan for Pregnant Women or Nursing mother?

As stated by the FDA drug label, Diflucan, when used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection in pregnant women, can increase the risk of pregnancy-related problems. Moreover, when a pregnant woman takes higher doses of Diflucan, it is reported to cause abnormality during the birth of the baby.

Complication and Condition Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Diflucan

Do not use Diflucan longer than recommended as it could have some adverse side effects. It is advised to take this medicine as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Although there is no known evidence that shows Diflucan has habit-forming capabilities, it is advised to not take this medicine for a longer period than the recommended.

Availability of the Diflucan

Diflucan is available at government and FDA approved drug stores for the treatment of increased discomforts caused by fungal infections. This medicine is also available at various online drug stores. While buying this medicine online, you have to provide required information regarding the prescription.