Diflucan

What is this Generic Diflucan?

Fluconazole is a drug that is prescribed in treatments and prevention of certain fungal and yeast infections. Some of these infections are:

• Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections due to Candida)
  
• Cryptococcal meningitis
  
• Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis
  

What should I tell my doctor before I use Fluconazole?

Before using Fluconazole, tell you healthcare provider about all the supplements, dietary pills, and medications that you are currently using and inform him if you have any of the following conditions:

• hypersensitivity to azole medications
  
• breast feeding
  
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant
  
• liver dysfunction
  

If you have any of the above-mentioned conditions, your doctor might still decide to prescribe Fluconazole, but lower the dose. Fluconazole is a Pregnancy Category C medication and should not be prescribed as a long-term treatment to pregnant women.

How should I take this medication?

Fluconazole is an oral medication, which should be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not take the drug more often than has been prescribed and do not increase the dose or discontinue the treatment without your doctor’s consent. In the case of overdosing, seek medical help immediately.

What drugs may interact with this medication?

Listed below are some of the medications that are known to react with Fluconazole:

• cisapride
  
• pimozide
  
• phenytoin
  
• ramelteon
  
• rifabutin
  
• rifampin
  
• birth control pills
  
• cyclosporine
  
• certain diuretics
  
• certain high cholesterol medications such as lovastatin, atorvastatin, or simvastatin
  
• cretain anxiety and sleep medicines
  
• tacrolimus
  
• terfenadine
  
• theophylline
  
• warfarin
  

This list is not complete and you should inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription drugs that you are currently taking.

What should I be aware of while taking this medication?

While taking Fluconazole, visit your doctor for regular checkups and follow his recommendations regarding dietary or lifestyle changes. This medication is prescribed to children from six months to thirteen years of age, but in such cases the dose is determined by the child’s weight and age, and special monitoring might be required. Studies have shown that the adverse reactions in children and elderly are similar to these observed in adults, but reports of acute renal failure and anemia were more frequent in patients that were older than 65 years of age.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects, associated with Fluconazole treatment are:

• headache
  
• rash
  
• nausea
  
• dizziness
  
• diarrhea
  
• abdominal pain
  
• vomiting
  

Less common side effects that affect approximately 0.1%-1% of the patients are:

• fatigue
  
• anorexia
  
• constipation
  

Adverse reactions that affect less than 0.1% of the patients are oliguria, serious hepatotoxicity including hepatic failure, paraesthesia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, seizures, hypokalaemia, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, QT interval and torsades de pointes.

In the case of serious or perseverant side effects, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

How should I store my medication?

The Fluconazole should be stored in its original package, away from the reach of children and below temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).