Related to this topic: Pharmacy | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options:
Other options:
(what's this?)
Fluconazole
|
About fluconazole
| Type of medicine | Antifungal |
| Used for | Treatment 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 called | Diflucan Diflucan One |
| Available as | Capsules 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 medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, tummy pains, diarrhoea | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. |
| Dizziness | If affected do not drive or carry out any tasks that could be dangerous if you became dizzy. |
| Headache | Ask 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
|
| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3471 |
DocRef: dils2688 |
Last Updated: 1 Oct 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 30 Sep 2009 |
Version: 22 |
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicine
View patient experiences and discussions about this condition / medicine (2 there)Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
A-Z of UK Guidelines
A-Z of Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
Pharmacy products related to this topic (^ top of page)
Care Fluconazole Capsule
Diflucan One CapsuleMedical equipment products related to this topic (^ top of page)
Pill/Tablet Equipment
Books related to this topic (^ top of page)

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Would you like to try our advanced on-line knowledge support system designed to provide professionals with relevant up to date information about recognition and management of disease or take the Mentor Challenge?
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
