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| Drug Class: What is Diflucan ? and why is it prescribed? |
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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.
In addition, Diflucan is now being prescribed for fungal infections in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients with AIDS.
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| Diflucan Mechanism: How does Diflucan work? |
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Fluconazole is an antifungal that works by altering the membrane around the fungus, killing the fungus without harming our bodys own cells.
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| Diflucan Dosage: How should you take Diflucan |
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| You can take Diflucan with or without meals.
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.
ADULTS
For vaginal infections
The usual treatment is a single 150-milligram dose.
For throat infections
The usual dose for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is 200 milligrams on the first day, followed by 100 milligrams 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 200 milligrams on the first day, followed by 100 milligrams once a day. A dose of 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.
For systemic (bodywide) infections
Doses of up to 400 milligrams per day are sometimes prescribed.
For urinary infections and peritonitis
Doses range from 50 to 200 milligrams per day.
For cryptococcal meningitis
The usual dose is 400 milligrams on the first day, followed by 200 milligrams once a day. Treatment should continue for 10 to 12 weeks once tests of spinal fluid come back negative. For AIDS patients, a 200-milligram dose taken once a day is recommended to prevent relapse.
Prevention of candidiasis during bone marrow transplantation
The usual dose is 400 milligrams once a day.
If you have kidney disease, your doctor may have to reduce your dosage.
CHILDREN
For throat infections
The usual dose for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is 6 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds of the childs 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.
For yeast infections of the esophagus
Cadidiasis in the upper digestive canal is usually treated with a dose of 6 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight on the first day, and half that amount once daily thereafter. Daily doses of up to 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight are sometimes prescribed.
For systemic (bodywide) infections
The drug has been given at 6 to 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of weight per day.
For cryptococcal meningitis
The usual 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.
Drug Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Diflucan overdose may include:
Hallucinations, paranoia
If you miss a dose
Take the forgotten 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 doses.
Drug: Storage instructions
Diflucan tablets should be stored at normal room temperature. Avoid exposing them to temperatures above 86°F.
Also to store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Keep the oral liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Preparations:
Suspension content per bottle is 350mg (when diluted 10mg per ml) and 1400mg (when diluted 40mg per ml).
Tablets available in 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg
Intravenous solutions are available. |
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| Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diflucan |
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| 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:
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 |
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| Special information on Diflucan |
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| Special information if you are 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. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Diflucan is finished. |
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| Diflucan side effects |
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| 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:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea; changes in taste, dizziness, and indigestion may occur less often. |
Drug Class: What is Diflucan ? and why is it prescribed?
