Fluconazole 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.

Fluconazole 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.

In addition, Fluconazole is now being prescribed for fungal infections in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients with AIDS.

You can take Fluconazole with or without meals.

Take Fluconazole 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.

Fluconazole Dose For Adults-
Fluconazole dose for vaginal infections: The usual treatment is a single dose of Fluconazole 150 mg.
Fluconazole dose for throat infections: The usual dose of Fluconazole for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is Fluconazole 200 mg on the first day, followed by Fluconazole 100 mg once a day. You should see results in a few days, but treatment should continue for at least 2 weeks to avoid a relapse. For candidiasis of the esophagus (gullet) the usual dose is Fluconazole 200 mg on the first day, followed by Fluconazole 100 mg once a day. A dose of Fluconazole 400 milligrams a day can also be taken if your infection is more severe.
Treatment should continue for a minimum of 3 weeks and for at least 2 weeks after symptoms have stopped.

Fluconazole dose for systemic (bodywide) infections: Fluconazole doses of up to 400 milligrams per day are sometimes prescribed.
Fluconazole dose for urinary infections and peritonitis: Fluconazole doses range from 50 to 200 milligrams per day.
Fluconazole for cryptococcal meningitis: The usual dose of Fluconazole is 400 milligrams on the first day, followed by Fluconazole 200 mg once a day. Treatment should continue for 10 to 12 weeks once tests of spinal fluid come back negative. For AIDS patients, a Fluconazole 200 mg dose taken once a day is recommended to prevent relapse.
Prevention of candidiasis during bone marrow transplantation the usual dose of Fluconazole is 400 milligrams once a day. If you have kidney disease, your doctor may have to reduce your dosage.

Fluconazole Dose For Children -

Fluconazole dose for throat infections: The usual dose of Fluconazole for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is 6 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds of the child weight on the first day, and 3 milligrams per 2.2 pounds once a day after that. The duration of treatment is the same as that for adults.
Fluconazole dose for yeast infections of the esophagus: Cadidiasis in the upper digestive canal is usually treated with a Fluconazole dose of 6 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight on the first day, and half that amount once daily thereafter. Daily Fluconazole doses of up to 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight are sometimes prescribed.
Fluconazole dose for systemic (bodywide) infections: Fluconazole has been given at 6 to 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of weight per day.
Fluconazole dose for cryptococcal meningitis: The usual Fluconazole dose is 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day on the first day, and 6 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day after that.
Treatment will last 10 to 12 weeks after the fungus disappears.

Fluconazole Overdose: Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Fluconazole, seek medical treatment immediately.

Symptoms of Fluconazole overdose may include: Hallucinations, paranoia

If you miss a dose of Fluconazole: Take the forgotten Fluconazole dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take double Fluconazole doses.

Storage instructions for Fluconazole: Fluconazole tablets should be stored at normal room temperature. Avoid exposing them to temperatures above 86°F. Also to store Fluconazole:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule or tablet form of Fluconazole in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Fluconazole to break down.
• Keep the oral liquid form of Fluconazole from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated Fluconazole or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If Fluconazole 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 Fluconazole with the following:

• Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin,
• Antidiabetic drugs such as Orinase, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol, Astemizole (Hismanal), Cisapride (Propulsid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Tacrolimus (Prograf), Terfenadine (Seldane), Theophylline (Theo-Dur),
• Ulcer medications such as Tagamet.