Fluconazole: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Fluconazole is a prescription antifungal used to treat infections caused by yeasts, such as vaginal thrush and thrush of the mouth and throat. It is also used for some deeper fungal infections under a doctor's care. It belongs to the antifungals. Some medicines and conditions, including heart rhythm problems, need extra care.
Also known as: Fluconazole tablet, Fluconazole 150 mg, Diflucan, Fluka
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Fluconazole work?
Fluconazole blocks an enzyme the fungus needs to make ergosterol, a part of its cell membrane. The damaged membrane stops the fungus growing, and the body clears the infection.
How to take Fluconazole
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. For vaginal thrush a single 150 mg dose is usual; for other infections the doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Fluconazole
Most people take fluconazole without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or a blistering rash (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Yellow skin or eyes (possible liver problems)
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking fluconazole, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to fluconazole or any ingredient of the product
- Taking certain medicines that affect heart rhythm, as advised by your doctor
- Allergy to fluconazole or other antifungals
- Heart conditions or abnormal potassium, calcium or magnesium levels
- Kidney or liver problems
- Pregnancy: used only if other treatments have not worked
- Breastfeeding: tell your doctor
- First or repeated thrush: see a doctor
Medicines and things that interact with Fluconazole
Fluconazole can change how many other medicines work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm, such as amiodarone, erythromycin and quetiapine
- Blood thinners such as warfarin
- Statins, carbamazepine, lithium, losartan and some antidepressants
If someone takes too much
The NHS says one or two extra doses are unlikely to harm you. If someone has taken much more than advised, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient fluconazole is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act; only a 2016 combination kit with azithromycin and secnidazole is listed. Check the schedule printed on the pack.
Type of medicine
Fluconazole belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Fluconazole
These medicines sold in India contain Fluconazole. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Fluka 150 · 150 mg verify on pack (tablet or capsule)
What is Fluconazole used for?
Medicines that contain Fluconazole are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Fluconazole.
Common questions
What is fluconazole used for?
Fluconazole is an antifungal used on a doctor's advice for yeast infections such as vaginal thrush and thrush of the mouth and throat, and for some deeper fungal infections. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Is one dose of fluconazole enough for thrush?
For vaginal thrush the NHS says a single 150 mg dose is usual, and symptoms settle over a few days. If they do not clear or come back, see a doctor rather than repeating the dose.
Can fluconazole be taken in pregnancy?
The NHS says it is used in pregnancy only if other treatments have not worked. Tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant. Do not take it on your own while pregnant.
Sources
- Fluconazole: a medicine for fungal infections and thrush. NHS (UK)
- Who can and cannot take fluconazole. NHS (UK)
- Side effects of fluconazole. NHS (UK)
- Taking fluconazole with other medicines and herbal supplements. NHS (UK)
- Fluconazole. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: J02AC01. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)