Fluconazole is used to prevent and treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called azole antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of certain types of fungus.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking fluconazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the liquid suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, dosage is also based on weight. Generally in children, the dose should not exceed 600 milligrams daily unless directed by the doctor. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take it at the same time each day as directed. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or if it worsens.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset/pain, headache, dizziness, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of your adrenal glands not working well (such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease. Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of liver disease, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the liquid suspension at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Discard any unused medication after 14 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Products that may interact with this drug include: clopidogrel. Many drugs besides fluconazole may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including pimozide, quinidine, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Fluconazole can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which can affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include asunaprevir, cisapride, flibanserin, among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: hallucinations, mental/mood changes.