Diflucan

Fluconazole

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Diflucan

Diflucan belongs to azole group of antifungals. It kills sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane.

Therapeutic Uses of Diflucan

Diflucan is used for treatment and prevention of certain yeast and fungal infections, which are sensitive to it. It may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

Direction of use of Diflucan

Diflucan is best used as directed by your doctor. Read the label on the medicine carefully for exact dosing instructions. Take Diflucan orally with food or on empty stomach. Diflucan should be taken at least 2 hours before proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, pantoprazole etc. To clear up your infection (yeast or fungus) completely, take Diflucan for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days till you complete the course. Do not miss any dose. For best result Diflucan is to be taken at the same time each day.

If You Miss a Dose of Diflucan

If you miss a dose of Diflucan, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Diflucan and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose of Diflucan.

How to Store Diflucan

The US product of Diflucan should be stored below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light, heat and moisture. Do not freeze the medicine. The Canadian product of Diflucan can be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store both US and Canadian product in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children.

More Information About Diflucan

If you have any questions about Diflucan, you should ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Diflucan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Diflucan

Do not use Diflucan if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Diflucan.
If you are taking an aldosterone blocker (eg, eplerenone), an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergotamine), astemizole, erythromycin, cisapride, pimozide, a serotonin (5-HT1) receptor agonist (eg, eletriptan), or terfenadine etc.

Some medical conditions may interact with Diflucan. You should inform your doctor if you have any medical problem that may interact with Diflucan, especially any of the following:

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
If you are taking any prescription medicine, over the counter medicine or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, any dietary supplement etc.
If you have allergies to other medicines, food, or any other substance.
If your immune system is very weak due to any reason, if you have any kidney disease, liver disease, an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
If you are allergic to other azole antifungals like itraconazole.

Some medicines may interact with Diflucan. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Diflucan, especially any of the following medicines:

Rifampin or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, pantoprazole etc. because they may decrease effectiveness of Diflucan.
Macrolide immunosuppressants like tacrolimus, because the risk of kidney problems may be increased.
Aldosterone antagonists (like eplerenone), amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, serotonin receptor agonists (eletriptan), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin, azithromycin), quinolines (like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin etc.), or terfenadine (antihistaminine) because the risk of severe irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation) may be increased by these drugs.
Rifabutin may increase some eye side effects like uveitis, if combined with Diflucan.
Anticoagulants (warfarin), benzodiazepines (alprazolam), buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, ergot alkaloids (ergotamine), haloperidol, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or "statins" (like atorvastatin, simvastatin etc.), hydantoins (phenytoin), methadone, muscarinic antagonists (eg, solifenacin, tolterodine), opioids narcotics (like codeine), ramelteon, sulfonylureas (like glipizide, glimeperide used in diabetes), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Diflucan.

Possible Adverse Effects of Diflucan

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Common and minor side effects of Diflucan are changes in taste, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach pain etc. If any of the common side effects of Diflucan becomes persistent or bothersome you should consult your doctor.
Get medical attention right away if you experience any of the serious bu uncommon side effects of Diflucan. The serious side effects of Diflucan are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); severe diarrhea, severe vomiting; scaly and red skin over a large portion of the body; swollen or tender abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.

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