Diflucan

Generic name: Fluconazole

What is Diflucan?

Diflucan is used to treat fungal infections called candidiasis (also known as thrush or yeast infections). These include vaginal infections, throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere in the body, such as infections of the urinary tract, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen), and pneumonia. Diflucan is also prescribed to guard against candidiasis in some people receiving bone marrow transplants, and is used to treat meningitis (brain or spinal cord inflammation) caused by another type of fungus.

What is the most important information I should know about Diflucan?

Strong allergic reactions to Diflucan, although rare, have been reported. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.

Who should not take Diflucan?

Do not take Diflucan if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients or have ever had an allergic reaction to similar drugs, such as ketoconazole. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Diflucan should not be combined with cisapride or terfenadine. These combinations have been known to trigger heartbeat irregularities and other heart problems.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Diflucan?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver problems, a compromised immune system, or heart problems such as irregular heartbeats caused or worsened by medicines, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, are breast-feeding

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on the type of infection you have as well as your body's response to the drug.

Adults: Vaginal candidiasis. The recommended dose is 150 mg as a single oral dose.

Adults: Oropharyngeal candidiasis. The recommended dose is 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily for at least 2 weeks.

Children: (weight-based; total doses >600 mg per day are not recommended) The recommended dose is 6 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight on the first day, followed by 3 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for at least 2 weeks.

Adults: Esophageal candidiasis. The recommended dose is 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily for at least 3 weeks and should be continued for at least 2 weeks after the symptoms of infection resolve. Doses up to 400 mg per day may be prescribed.

Children: The recommended dose is 6 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 3 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for at least 3 weeks and should be continued for at least 2 weeks after the symptoms of infection resolve. Doses up to 12 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight per day may be prescribed.

Adults: Systemic Candida infections. The recommended dose has not been established but doses up to 400 mg per day have been used.

Children: Doses of 6-12 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight have been used in some patients.

Adults: Urinary tract infections and peritonitis. Doses of 50-200 mg have been used in some patients.

Adults: Cryptococcal meningitis. The recommended dose is 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily for 10-12 weeks after the infection has cleared from your brain and spinal cord. Your doctor may prescribe 400 mg once daily depending on your response. If you have AIDS with recurring infections, the recommended dose is 200 mg once daily.

Children: The recommended dose is 12 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight on the first day, followed by 6 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for 10-12 weeks after the infection has cleared from your brain and spinal cord. Your doctor may prescribe 12 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily depending on your child's response. If your child has AIDS with recurring infections, the recommended dose is 6 mg/ 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily.

Adults: Bone marrow transplant prophylaxis. The recommended daily dose is 400 mg once daily. You may need to start therapy several days before expected decrease in white blood cells and for 7 days after the amount of white blood cells returns to a normal level.

Adults: Dose adjustments may be necessary if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis.

How should I take Diflucan?

You can take Diflucan with or without meals at any time of day. Diflucan may be taken orally or given by IV infusion. Diflucan keeps working for several days to treat the infection. Generally the symptoms start to go away after 24 hours.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed, and continue taking it for as long as your doctor instructs. You may begin to feel better after the first few days; but it takes weeks or even months of treatment to completely cure certain fungal infections.

What should I avoid while taking Diflucan?

Some medications can affect how well Diflucan works. Check with your doctor before starting any new medicines within seven days of taking Diflucan.

Avoid stopping therapy before recommended by your doctor, even if you start to feel better.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Diflucan?

If Diflucan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Diflucan with the following: antidiabetic drugs such as glipizide, glyburide, and tolbutamide; astemizole; blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin; cisapride; cyclosporine; hydrochlorothiazide; phenytoin; rifabutin; rifampin; tacrolimus; terfenadine; theophylline; and ulcer medications

What are the possible side effects of Diflucan?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diflucan.

The most common side effect for people taking more than one dose is nausea.

For women taking a single dose to treat vaginal infection, the most common side effects are changes in taste, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea and upset stomach. stomach pain

Other side effects may include: irregular heartbeat, skin rash, vomiting, serious allergic reactions, rare cases of severe liver damage

Can I receive Diflucan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Diflucan during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Diflucan appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor if you plan to breastfeed.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Diflucan?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

How should I store Diflucan?

Store at room temperature. Protect from freezing. Keep out of reach of children.