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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Fluconazole

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Fluconazole


  • If you have been prescribed more than the single dose of fluconazole, you must complete the prescribed course.

About fluconazole

Type of medicineAntifungal
Used forTreatment of fungal infections such as thrush and infections of the skin and the gut.
Prevention and treatment of fungal infections in people with a lowered immune system.
Also calledDiflucan®
Available asCapsules
Oral suspension
Injection

Fluconazole works by killing the fungi which cause infection.

Before taking fluconazole

Before taking fluconazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer with kidney or liver problems.
  • If you have heart rhythm problems.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take fluconazole

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Fluconazole is often prescribed as a single dose to treat thrush.
  • If you have been prescribed more than the single dose of fluconazole, you must complete the prescribed course.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments, as you may need to have blood tests if you are taking fluconazole for more than one month.

Can fluconazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, tummy pains, diarrhoeaEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
DizzinessIf affected do not drive or carry out any tasks that could be dangerous if you became dizzy.
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak to your doctor.

Other possible side effects include flatulence (excessive wind), headache, indigestion, taste changes, dizziness, hair loss, itching and skin rash.

Important:You must contact your doctor at once if you experience severe rash, swelling of face, lips and tongue and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, not mentioned in this leaflet, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store fluconazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3471		DocRef:
dils2688		Last Reviewed:
1 Oct 2007		Version:
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