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Fluconazole |
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What is Fluconazole and why is it prescribed? Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections called candidiasis. These include vaginal infections, throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere in the body, such as infections of the urinary tract, peritonitis, and pneumonia. Fluconazole is also prescribed to guard against candidiasis in some people receiving bone marrow transplants, and is used to treat meningitis caused by another type of fungus. Fluconazole is now being prescribed for fungal infections in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients with AIDS. Strong allergic reactions to Fluconazole, although rare, have been reported. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. How should you take Fluconazole? Follow your doctors directions for taking Fluconazole. You can take Fluconazole with or without meals. You may begin to feel better after the first few days but it takes weeks or even months of treatment to completely cure certain fungal infections. If you miss a Fluconazole dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Fluconazole tablets should be stored at normal room temperature. Avoid exposing them to temperatures above 86°F. Are there any Fluconazole side effects? Fluconazole side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Fluconazole side effect for people taking more than one dose is nausea. For women taking a single dose to treat vaginal infection, the most common Fluconazole side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea; changes in taste, dizziness, and indigestion may occur less often. Less common Fluconazole side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, skin rash, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Fluconazole? If Fluconazole is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fluconazole with Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Antidiabetic drugs (such as Orinase, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol), Astemizole (Hismanal), Cisapride (Propulsid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Tacrolimus (Prograf), Terfenadine (Seldane), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Ulcer medications (such as Tagamet). Are there any special warnings about Fluconazole? Your doctor will watch your liver function carefully while you are taking Fluconazole. If your immunity is low and you develop a rash, your doctor should monitor your condition closely. You may have to stop taking Fluconazole if the rash gets worse. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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