Fluconazole (Diflucan) is used to prevent and treat fungal infections. It's a recommended treatment option for vaginal yeast infections due to Candida and more severe cases of oral thrush (yeast infection in the mouth). Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. This medication is available as a tablet, oral suspension, and injection that's given by a healthcare provider.
Vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida (tablets only)
Oral thrush of the mouth and throat caused by Candida
Bloodstream or systemic infection caused by Candida
Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Candida
Peritonitis (inflammation in the stomach lining) caused by Candida
Meningitis caused by Cryptococcus
Prevention of fungal infection caused by Candida for people having a bone marrow transplant
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an antifungal. It slows the growth of the fungus that's causing your infection by damaging its protective layer.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Chills
clay-colored stools
dark urine
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
stomach pain, continuing
tightness in the chest
unpleasant breath odor
unusual tiredness or weakness
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes and skin
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chest pain or discomfort
decreased urine
fainting
hoarseness
increased thirst
irregular or slow heart rate
joint or muscle pain
loss of bladder control
lower back or side pain
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
muscle spasm or jerking of the arms and legs
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
seizures
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
sudden loss of consciousness
swollen glands
unusual bleeding or bruising
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Fearfulness, suspiciousness, or other mental changes
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Belching
change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
indigestion
stomach discomfort or upset
Incidence not known
Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Works well to treat many types of fungal infections
Typically only need one dose for vaginal yeast infections
Available as a tablet, oral liquid, or injection
Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
Available as a lower-cost generic
Requires a prescription
Might cause liver damage
Interacts with many medications, like certain cholesterol medications
Might cause harm to unborn babies if taken during pregnancy
Single oral dose for vaginal yeast infections has more side effects than products that are directly applied to the area
You can take fluconazole (Diflucan) with or without food. If you experience nausea or upset stomach after taking this medication, try taking fluconazole (Diflucan) with food to help lessen these side effects.
Finish all of the fluconazole (Diflucan) your healthcare provider prescribed for you, even if you start to feel better. Stopping fluconazole (Diflucan) too soon can cause your infection to come back.
If you're using fluconazole (Diflucan) to treat a vaginal yeast infection, avoid having sex until your infection is completely better. Having sex before your infection is cleared up can be painful and make symptoms, like burning and itching, worse. There's also a risk to pass the infection to your partner.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) can interact with several medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), atorvastatin (Lipitor), erythromycin, and some diabetes medications. This isn't a complete list of everything that interferes with fluconazole (Diflucan). So, be sure to tell your pharmacist about all the medications you take, including things available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Additional tips for the oral suspension
Shake the fluconazole (Diflucan) oral suspension each time before you measure out and take your dose.
Only use the measuring device provided at the pharmacy. Don't use household spoons to measure your dose since this could cause you to take the wrong amount.
Store fluconazole (Diflucan) at room temperature. Throw the medication away after 2 weeks, even if there's still some left over.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Liver problems | Excessive alcohol use
Rarely, people taking fluconazole (Diflucan) have experienced serious liver damage. Most of the time, the damage completely heals once you stop taking fluconazole (Diflucan). Your risk of liver damage might be higher if you already have liver problems. Drinking a lot of alcohol while taking this medication can also raise your risk of liver damage. If you notice yellowing of the whites of your eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain, talk to your healthcare provider. They'll probably order blood tests to check your liver health.
Allergic reactions to fluconazole (Diflucan) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if this happens. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after taking fluconazole (Diflucan), call your healthcare provider right away.
Very rarely, people have developed a serious, potentially life-threatening skin reaction called exfoliative dermatitis after starting fluconazole (Diflucan). This serious rash can cause itchiness, redness all over your body, and scaly and peeling skin. Get medical help right away if you notice a new or severe rash with fever, skin redness, or unexplained blisters.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) hasn't been studied very much in pregnant women. Available studies suggest that there might be a risk of birth defects or a miscarriage if fluconazole (Diflucan) is taken during the first trimester. But more research is needed to learn more about how safe this medication is to take during pregnancy. If you're taking 400 mg to 800 mg of fluconazole (Diflucan) per day, it's recommended to use birth control during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose. If you become pregnant while you're taking fluconazole (Diflucan), stop taking the medication right away and talk to your healthcare provider.
Adults:
Vaginal yeast infection: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth taken one time only.
Oral thrush: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily.
Bloodstream or systemic infection: Your dose will depend on how your infection responds to fluconazole (Diflucan). Doses of up to 400 mg by mouth per day can be given.
UTI and peritonitis: The typical dose is 50 mg to 200 mg by mouth once daily.
Cryptococcal meningitis: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily. Most people with this condition will take fluconazole (Diflucan) for several months. Some people might need to take it long term to prevent the infection from coming back.
Prevention of fungal infection: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth once daily, usually starting several days before the bone marrow transplant takes place.
Children: Your child's provider will calculate their dose based on their body weight.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is also available as an intravenous (IV) injection that's given by a healthcare provider.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Taking certain medications that can prolong the QT interval (period of time when your heart resets after each pump)
Vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida (tablets only)
Oral thrush of the mouth and throat caused by Candida
Bloodstream or systemic infection caused by Candida
Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Candida
Peritonitis (inflammation in the stomach lining) caused by Candida
Meningitis caused by Cryptococcus
Prevention of fungal infection caused by Candida for people having a bone marrow transplant
Treatment of vaginal yeast infection
Relief of vaginal yeast infection symptoms (itching and irritation outside of the vagina)
Oral thrush of the mouth and throat (liquid only)
Fungal infections of the stomach and intestines (tablet only)
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MedlinePlus. (2022). Bone marrow transplant.
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