Q: What is Diflucan?
A: Diflucan is an antifungal antibiotic medication used to treat the following conditions:
- Vaginal yeast infections.
- Yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
- Urinary tract yeast infections.
- Peritonitis.
- Other infections such as candidemia, disseminated candidiasis, and pneumonia.
- Fungal meningitis.
While used most commonly to treat yeast infections, doctors also prescribe Diflucan to prevent fungal infections in certain immunosuppressed people – AIDS patients, organ transplant patients, and cancer chemotherapy patients.
Q: What is the active ingredient of Diflucan?
A: Fluconazole is the active ingredient of Diflucan. Fluconazole belongs to a class of compounds known as azoles.
Q: Are there any medical conditions that I should discuss with my doctor before I buy Diflucan?
A: Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before you buy or take Diflucan. Be aware that some medical conditions may interact with Diflucan. Tell your doctor about any of the following conditions:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding.
- If you are immunosuppressed.
- If you have liver or kidney problems or an irregular heart beat.
- If you are allergic to any medication, especially azole antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole, etc.).
- If you are taking any other medication – prescription or over-the-counter drugs – including oral contraceptives, herbal preparations, dietary supplements, and vitamins.
Q: How should I take Diflucan?
A: Observe the following precautions while taking Diflucan:
- Only take Diflucan under the guidance of your healthcare provider, irrespective of the type of fungal or yeast infection you may have.
- If you are using any other medication, talk to your doctor about the dosage schedule. For example, take Diflucan at least 2 hours before taking proton pump inhibitors.
- Before you start taking Diflucan, read the patient information that comes with the medicine.
- Take Diflucan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- For vaginal yeast infections, doctors usually prescribe a single dose of Diflucan.
- Take the oral dose of Diflucan with a full glass of water.
- Follow the entire course of treatment, even if the symptoms disappear.
- If the yeast infection does not improve after 5 days, contact your doctor.
Q: Are there any drugs I should avoid while taking Diflucan?
A: Before you begin taking Diflucan, inform your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including herbal and dietary supplements. Some medications may interact with Diflucan:
- Aldosterone blockers (e.g. eplerenone), amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, serotonin receptor agonists (e.g. eletriptan), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), quinolines (e.g. ciprofloxacin), and terfenadine. When combined with Diflucan, these drugs may increase the risk of severe irregular heartbeat or other heart-related problems.
- Macrolide immunosuppressants, when taken with Diflucan, may increase the risk of kidney problems
- Proton pump inhibitors may decrease the effectiveness of Diflucan.
- Some patients who took Diflucan along with rifamycins (rifabutin, rifampin) were found to be at greater risk for eye problems such as uveitis.
The risk of side effects associated with the following drugs may increase when taken along with Diflucan:
- Certain anti-diabetic drugs (sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide)
- Certain benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam)
- Anti-coagulants (e.g. warfarin)
- Certain calcium channel blockers (e.g. felodipine, nifedipine)
- Carbamazepine
- Certain COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. celecoxib)
- Ergot alkaloids (e.g. ergotamine )
- Haloperidol
- Statins (e.g. simvastatin)
- Hydantoins (e.g. phenytoin)
- Methadone
- Muscarinic antagonists (e.g. solifenacin, tolterodine)
- Narcotics (e.g. codeine)
- Ramelteon
- Theophylline
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
Q: Are there any other activities that I should avoid while using Diflucan?
A: Be aware of the following while using Diflucan:
- Use caution while engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Although uncommon, Diflucan can cause dizziness.
- Limit alcoholic intake. Both alcohol and Diflucan can affect the liver. In addition, consuming alcohol while using Diflucan can increase the risk of dizziness.
Q: Can I take Diflucan while using birth control pills?
A: Diflucan may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, doctors recommend using other reliable forms of birth control while using Diflucan.
Q: Is it safe to take Diflucan when I’m pregnant?
A: It is not known whether Diflucan can harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Diflucan.
Q: Is it safe to take Diflucan when I’m breastfeeding?
A: Diflucan passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Consult with your doctor about breastfeeding before taking Diflucan.
Q: What are the possible side effects of taking Diflucan?
A: Many people who use Diflucan to treat yeast infections do not experience any side effects. But:
- Possible side effects of Diflucan include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, and dizziness. Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
- Very rarely, liver problems may occur as a result of using Diflucan. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: pale stools, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or the eyes, or unusual fatigue.
Q: What are the possible allergic reactions to Diflucan?
A: If you are allergic to fluconazole, to any azole-containing drug, or to any other ingredient in Diflucan, make sure you inform your doctor before taking this medication. A very serious allergic reaction to Diflucan is unlikely, but talk to your doctor immediately if one develops. Possible symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
- Tightness of the chest
- Rash
- Hives or itching
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Diflucan?
A: If you are taking Diflucan for a vaginal yeast infection, you will likely only require one dose. But if you have been prescribed more than one dose, be aware that Diflucan works best if taken at the same time each day. If you forget to take it, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose of Diflucan, skip the missed one and resume your usual schedule. Do not take a double dose of Diflucan without consulting your doctor.
Q: What should I do in case of an accidental overdose of Diflucan?
A: If you suspect an overdose of Diflucan, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Possible symptoms of overdose include confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, lethargy, shallow or slowed breathing, tearing eyes, drooling, urinary incontinence, and seizure.
For additional information about yeast infections and how Diflucan may help, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.
