Dosage For Capsules Or Liquid
These are the usual doses for adults:
- oral thrush 50mg a day, taken for 7 to 14 days
- vaginal thrush or balanitis 150mg, taken as a single dose
- vaginal thrush that keeps coming back 150mg, taken once every 72 hours for the first 3 doses, then take 150mg once a week for 6 months
- candida infections 200mg to 800mg a day for several weeks
- cryptococcal meningitis 200mg to 800mg a day for several weeks
- to stop cryptococcal meningitis coming back 200mg a day, taken long term
- to prevent fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system 50mg to 400mg a day, until your white blood cell count improves
For children, your doctor will work out the right dose depending on the infection and your child’s age and weight.
If you take your fluconazole once every 72 hours, or once a week, it may help to use a calendar and mark the days when you need to take it.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About This Medicine
- Children with porphyria should not take fluconazole. If your child has porphyria, or you have a family history of the condition, tell your doctor.
- If your child is taking fluconazole to treat an infection, it is important that they take the whole course of treatment. The yeast or fungus may remain after your child starts to feel well however, it is important to kill all the yeast or fungus, to make sure that the infection doesnt come back.
- Fluconazole may harm an unborn baby. If your daughter is having sex, it is very important that she uses adequate contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy and continues it for at least 1 month after stopping the treatment. If your daughter thinks that she may be pregnant, she should not take Fluconazole.
Side Effects Of Diflucan
Like all other medications, Diflucan has its share of side effects and potential adverse reactions.
However, the occurrence and severity of Diflucan side effects depend on the dosage taken.
Diflucans most common side effects are headaches, nausea, and stomach pain. Other common side effects also include:
- Numbness of the hands, feet, or lips
- Increased thirst
Some rare side effects of Diflucan point towards other more serious conditions and adverse effects.
For instance, the combination of dark urine, light-colored stools, severe itching, and vomiting may indicate liver damage.
In addition, muscle weakness, fatigue, appetite loss, and stomach pain are symptoms of adrenal gland problems.
Meanwhile, fast or irregular heart rate, dizziness, fainting, and seizures indicate torsades de pointes, a severe and potentially fatal heart rhythm condition.
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Other Uses For This Medicine
Fluconazole injection is also sometimes used to treat serious fungal infections that begin in the lungs and can spread through the body and fungal infections of the eye, prostate , skin and nails. Fluconazole injection is also sometimes used to prevent fungal infections in people who are likely to become infected because they have human immunodeficiency virus or cancer or have had a transplant operation . Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Patients In Icus And Other Care Settings
Objective. To prevent development of invasive fungal infections during periods of risk.
Treatment options. Intravenous amphotericin B or intravenous or oral fluconazole.
Outcomes. Prevention of onset of signs and symptoms of invasive candidiasis.
Evidence. This topic has been extensively reviewed, and prophylaxis may be warranted in hospital units that show very high rates of disease despite use of aggressive infection-control procedures . Oral fluconazole produced a trend toward decreased rates of invasive candidiasis in selected adult patients in the surgical ICU with an expected ICU stay of at least 3 days . In preterm infants with birth weights of < 1000 g, 6 weeks of fluconazole therapy reduced the rate of invasive candidiasis from 20% to 0% . Fluconazole prophylaxis reduced the rate of candidal peritonitis in patients with refractory gastrointestinal perforation .
Values. Prevention of the significant morbidity associated with invasive candidiasis is warranted. Candidemia is associated with significant costs .
Benefits, harms, and costs. Injudicious use of prophylaxis in low-risk hospital units where the risk of candidiasis is low might lead to selection of resistant organisms.
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Dosage And Administration In Children
The following dose equivalency scheme should generally provide equivalent exposure in pediatric and adult patients:
| Pediatric Patients | |
|---|---|
| 12* mg/kg | 400 mg |
Experience with DIFLUCAN in neonates is limited to pharmacokinetic studies in premature newborns. Based on the prolonged half-life seen in premature newborns , these children, in the first two weeks of life, should receive the same dosage as in older children, but administered every 72 hours. After the first two weeks, these children should be dosed once daily. No information regarding DIFLUCAN pharmacokinetics in full-term newborns is available.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis
The recommended dosage of DIFLUCAN for oropharyngeal candidiasis in children is 6 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 3 mg/kg once daily. Treatment should be administered for at least 2 weeks to decrease the likelihood of relapse.
Esophageal candidiasis
For the treatment of esophageal candidiasis, the recommended dosage of DIFLUCAN in children is 6 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 3 mg/kg once daily. Doses up to 12 mg/kg/day may be used, based on medical judgment of the patient’s response to therapy. Patients with esophageal candidiasis should be treated for a minimum of three weeks and for at least 2 weeks following the resolution of symptoms.
Systemic Candida infections
For the treatment of candidemia and disseminated Candida infections, daily doses of 6 to 12 mg/kg/day have been used in an open, noncomparative study of a small number of children.
What Happens When You Mix Fluconazole And Alcohol
It is safe to eat and drink normally while taking fluconazole. There are no known interactions between alcohol and fluconazole. However, since both fluconazole and alcohol can have negative effects on the liver, it is advisable for patients with liver impairment to avoid alcohol, especially while taking fluconazole. Another important consideration is that excessive alcohol use can weaken the immune system and worsen candida infections, potentially working against the effects of fluconazole.
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Can Fluconazole Cause Problems
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with fluconazole. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
| Common fluconazole side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Feeling sick or being sick , stomach ache, diarrhoea | Stick to simple foods and drink plenty of water |
| Headache | Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know |
| Skin rash | Let your doctor know about this |
| Changes to some blood test results | Your doctor will check for these if needed |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to fluconazole, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Urinary Infections Due To Candida Spp
Candida is by far the most frequent agent of urinary fungal infections. The line between colonization and real infection is generally blurred. Candiduria usually present as nosocomial infections, favoured by indwelling urinary catheters, immunosuppressive drugs or antibiotic prescriptions, diabetes mellitus and extreme ages. C. albicans is involved in half of the cases, followed by C. glabrata in 15% of the cases. In 10% of cases, infection involves more than one species. Fluconazole achieves a 10 times higher concentration in urine than in blood with powerful effect even on C. glabrata infections. Therefore, it represents a first line treatment of any Candida urinary tract infection.
In a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre study among patients with asymptomatic candiduria, Sobel et al. found that fluconazole hastened the time to negative results of urine cultures. However, the rate of negative urine cultures 2 weeks after the end of therapy was similar in the fluconazole- and placebo-treated groups, showing the minimal utility of treatment in that setting. Indeed, asymptomatic candiduria should be treated only in high-risk situations, namely patients with neutropenia, infants with low birth weight, patients with renal allografts, and patients who will undergo urologic manipulations . The optimal regimen in that setting is not known. Short courses regimen are not recommended and therapy for 12 weeks should be efficient.
- Typical dosage: One 150-mg dose.
Child dosage
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Fluconazole injection is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus , abdomen , lungs, blood, and other organs. Fluconazole is also used to treat meningitis caused by fungus. Fluconazole is also used to prevent yeast infections in patients who are likely to become infected because they are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy before a bone marrow transplant . Fluconazole is in a class of antifungals called triazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
How Should I Take Fluconazole
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your dose will depend on the infection you are treating. Vaginal infections are often treated with only one pill. For other infections, your first dose may be a double dose. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.
Fluconazole oral is taken by mouth. Fluconazole injection is given as an infusion into a vein.
You may take fluconazole oral with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Fluconazole injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Use fluconazole for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Fluconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store fluconazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
You may store the oral suspension in a refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any leftover liquid that is more than 2 weeks old.
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Disclosure Of Financial Interests Or Relationships
Peter G. Pappas has received grant support from Merck, Fujisawa, Pfizer, Shering-Plough, Enzon, and Vicuron. He has been a speaker for Merck, Fujisawa, Enzon, and Pfizer and has served as a consultant for Merck and Schering-Plough. John H. Rex is employed full time with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. Jack D. Sobel has received grant support from 3M, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. Scott G. Filler has received grant support from Pfizer, Glaxo-Smith Kline, Cubist, and Merck He has been a speaker for Merck, Pfizer, and 3M and has served as a consultant for Merck. William E. Dismukes has received grant support from Fujisawa and Merck. He has been a speaker for Pfizer and Enzon and has served as a consultant for Fujisawa, Pfizer, Vicuron, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Thomas J. Walsh has received grant support from Fujisawa and Merck. John E. Edwards has served as a consultant for Pfizer and Merck.
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Fluconazole
Warnings
- This medication contains fluconazole. Do not take Diflucan if you are allergic to fluconazole or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately
Contraindications
- This medication contains fluconazole
- Do not take Diflucan if you are allergic to fluconazole or any ingredients contained in this drug
Effects of Drug Abuse
Short-Term Effects
- Syrup contains glycerol may cause headache, stomach upset, and diarrhea
- When driving vehicles or operating machines, it should be taken into account that dizziness or seizures may occasionally occur
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Fluconazole ?”
Long-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Fluconazole ?
Cautions
Pregnancy and Lactation
Single maternal oral dose of 150 mg for vaginal candidiasis:
All other indications:
- A few published case reports describe a rare pattern of distinct congenital anomalies in infants exposed in-utero to high dose maternal fluconazole during most or all of the first trimester
- Reported anomalies are similar to those seen in animal studies and consist of brachycephaly, abnormal facies, abnormal calvarial development, cleft palate, femoral bowing, thin ribs and long bones, arthrogryposis, and congenital heart disease
- Fluconazole enters breast milk use caution if breastfeeding
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Over The Counter Supplements Vs Prescription Medications For Candida
It may be tempting to think or believe that prescription medications are always more powerful than over the counter supplements.
And while this may make sense intuitively, it certainly isnât always the case.
Some studies, such as this, have shown that herbal antibiotics/antifungals can be just as potent than conventional prescription medications.
Having said that, prescription medications certainly have their place, especially when treating gut-related issues such as SIFO and SIBO.
If you prefer the âall-naturalâ approach OR if youâve tried Diflucan/fluconazole without success, there are still many options available to you.
Iâve compiled a list of supplements below that you may want to consider if you have candida:
These supplements can also be combined with prescription medications to increase effectiveness and reduce the risk of fungal resistance.
When I treat patients for fungal overgrowth or candida, I typically use multiple options for that very reason.
Another important point to consider is that killing off candida is only part of the equation to treating your issue.
If you kill off candida but do not fix the issues that caused it to overpopulate in the first place then you will eventually end up where you started.
You will want to ensure that you take the proper precautions such as changing your diet , to reduce your stress , and provide your body with healthy probiotics to take the place of the candida once itâs gone.
Candidal Skin Infections And Paronychia
Nonhematogenous primary skin infections typically occur as intertrigo in skin folds, especially in obese and diabetic patients. Topical azoles and polyenes, including clotrimazole, miconazole, and nystatin, are effective. Keeping the infected area dry is important. For paronychia, the most important intervention is drainage.
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Possible Negative Reactions Of Using Diflucan For Yeast Infection
Like many other prescription medications, Diflucan may cause potential negative reactions such as allergies.
Therefore, the drug carries an allergy warning and cautions individuals with a known hypersensitivity to fluconazole or other azoles on taking Diflucan.
In case of a severe reaction, patients are advised to immediately contact their doctor or the local poison control center.
Severe symptoms may require a trip to the emergency room.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Diflucan include:
- Skin rash, hives, blisters, or skin peeling
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
- Swelling of the face or other body parts
Diflucan also affects people with lower or compromised immunity differently. For example, individuals with HIV, AIDS, or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have a higher risk of developing rashes and skin irritation from Diflucan.
How Should I Take Diflucan
Take Diflucan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Your dose will depend on the infection you are treating. Vaginal infections are often treated with only one pill. For other infections, your first dose may be a double dose. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.
You may take Diflucan with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Use Diflucan for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Fluconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
You may store the oral suspension in a refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any leftover liquid that is more than 2 weeks old.
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Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
Healthcare professionals who prescribe fluconazole should be aware of its indications and contraindications. While fluconazole is generally well tolerated, its use requires caution in patients with prolonged QT syndrome. An EKG is a strong recommendation before initiating drug therapy in these patients. Additionally, liver and renal function monitoring are essential to adjust dosages. An interprofessional healthcare team, including clinicians , infectious disease specialists, nurses, and pharmacists, operating as a cohesive unit and using open communication can optimize patient outcomes with fluconazole therapy and minimize adverse events and interactions. Given the potential adverse events and drug-drug interactions of fluconazole, it is incumbent on all interprofessional team members to monitor the patient and document any changes in status, including signs of therapy failure, and report these to other team members as appropriate.