Fluconazole Information

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections of the throat, esophagus or throat, vaginal yeast infections, pneumonia caused by yeast, fungal urinary tract infections or fungal infections occurring in the blood or throughout the body. The drug is also used to prevent fungal infections in individuals with a suppressed immune system such as AIDS, organ transplant or cancer chemotherapy patients.

You should not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid) because it can cause serious or fatal heart problems. If you are taking any other medications, have existing medical conditions or kidney disease, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking fluconazole. You may require special monitoring during treatment, a lower dose or you may not be able to take the drug. It is also not determined if Fluconazole is harmful to unborn babies. Therefore, you should not take the drug if you are breast feeding, pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment.

Make sure to take fluconazole exactly as prescribed and with a full glass of water with each dose. A single dose of fluconazole may be prescribed to treat a vaginal yeast infection. For multiple-dose therapy, you may be required to take a double dose of fluconazole during the first day of treatment so your body will quickly receive the correct amount of medication.

Always shake the suspension well before taking a dose, and measure it using a dropper, cup or special dose-measuring spoon, not a regular table spoon. Your pharmacist can most likely advise you where to obtain a dose-measuring device. For optimal benefit, take fluconazole regularly and store the tablets at room temperature away from heat and moisture. You can store the suspension in the refrigerator, but don’t let it freeze. Discard any unused suspension after 2 weeks.

If you miss a dose, take it once you remember. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the regular dose during your next scheduled time period. Never double your dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you believe you may have taken too much fluconazole, seek immediate medical attention. Possible symptoms of a fluconazole overdose include seizures, urinary incontinence, drooling, decreased movement or breathing, hallucinations, tearing eyes, paranoia or confusion.

Avoid taking alcohol when taking fluconazole because both substances can affect the liver. You should also exercise caution when performing a hazardous activity or driving because fluconazole may cause dizziness.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects while taking Fluconazole, stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention:

• Rash
• Unusual fatigue
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• Liver damage
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, tongue or lips, hives, closing of the throat or difficulty breathing

If you experience less serious side effects such as headaches, dizziness, itching, fatigue, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea, you can continue taking fluconazole. However, you should consult with your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects that are not listed.

Fluconazole may interact with the following drugs:

• Pimozide
• Dofetilide
• Cisapride
• Phenytoin
• Bosentan
• Tacrolimus
• Warfarin
• Terfenadine
• Water pills
• Paricalcitol
• Cilostazol
• Medications for fungal or yeast infections
• Rifabutin
• Cyclosporine
• Ramelteon
• Doxercalciferol
• Oral medications for diabetes
• Rifampin
• Medications for sleep disorders or anxiety
• Medications for high cholesterol such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin or fluvastatin

What is the shelf life of the pills?

The expiry date is listed on each blister. The date will vary depending on the particular batch. The shelf life is 2 years from the manufacturing date and varies depending on when the pills were manufactured.