Fluconazole
Fluconazole is the generic name for the brand name drug Diflucan. It’s taken orally (most commonly in pill form) and treats a variety of fungal infections, including candidiasis and meningitis. It’s also used to prevent such fungal infections.
Conditions Fluconazole Treats
Fluconazole is a prescription drug that is most commonly used to treat oral and vaginal yeast infections (known as candidiasis). The drug is also known to treat other infections, such as infections of the:
- Blood
- Esophagus
- Lungs
- Throat
It’s also used to prevent candidiasis in patients that are at high risk of developing the condition. It’s also used to treat meningitis, another condition caused by a fungal infection.
Fluconazole prevents fungus from reproducing and fights off any infections caused by the bacteria.
It’s taken orally in pill form.
Fluconazole Side Effects
Patients taking Fluconazole often experience light side-effects. These side-effects may last for several days or weeks but often dissipate and don’t cause too much stress on the body.
Some side effects of the drug are more serious and may require medical attention. You should contact your doctor or seek emergency treatment if you experience any harsh or lingering symptoms such as:
- Belly pain
- Changes in sense of taste
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Itching
- Light-colored stool
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Severe rash
- Skin peeling
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Yellowed skin (a possible sign of liver damage)
Medications That Interact With Fluconazole
Some patients shouldn’t take Fluconazole if they’re taking medications that might interact with the drug.
Tell your doctor about any medications and/or supplements or herbs you’re currently taking including:
- Amiodarone
- Amlodipine
- Atorvastatin
- Carbamazepine
- Chlorpromazine
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Cyclosporine
- Dofetilide
- Donepezil
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Felodipine
- Fentanyl
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Haloperidol
- Lomitapide
- Methadone
- Nifedipine
- Paroxetine
- Phenytoin
- Pimozide
- Quinidine
- Ranolazine
- Simvastatin
- Sirolimus
- Tacrolimus
- Terfenadine
- Theophylline
- Verapamil
- Voriconazole
- Warfarin
- Zidovudine
- Ziprasidone