Skip to content

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine of the triazole class. It is used for fungal and yeast infections in the vagina, mouth, throat, oesophagus, abdomen, lungs, blood and other organs, and it is also used in cryptococcal meningitis. It works by slowing the growth of the fungi causing the infection.

Medicine containing Fluconazole

Diflucan

Candidiasis, Cryptococcal Meningitis

50 · 100 · 150 · 200mg

Diflucan fluconazole tablets are used for candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. This triazole antifungal comes in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$1.16/ tabletView

Key points

  • Fluconazole begins to act within 1 to 2 hours, and its effect lasts about 24 hours.
  • Liver function is checked at intervals while treatment continues.
  • Children are treated with caution, with the dose based on weight.

What fluconazole is used for

Yeast infections of the vagina, mouth and throat are common reasons for treatment, and it also covers infections in the abdomen, lungs and blood. Two conditions with their own pages here are candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. Related reading sits under women’s health.

How it works

The medicine blocks 14-alpha-demethylase, a fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme. This interrupts the production of ergosterol, which the fungal cell membrane needs. Without ergosterol the fungus cannot grow properly, so the infection is held back rather than instantly cleared.

Diflucan tablets

MayChemist lists Diflucan tablets in 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg strengths. Fluconazole is also manufactured as hard capsules and as an oral solution. Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety and side effects

Fluconazole is not suitable for anyone with a hypersensitivity to it, anyone taking terfenadine, or anyone with severe hepatic impairment. Nausea, diarrhoea, headache and abdominal pain are the usual minor effects; rash, hair loss and raised liver enzymes are also reported. Anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and hepatotoxicity are serious reactions that need immediate medical attention. Warfarin, rifampicin and ciclosporin interact with fluconazole. The medicine passes into breast milk, so it is used with caution during breastfeeding.

What the sources say

  • Fluconazole may harm the fetus, so pregnancy, plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding should be raised with a doctor; contraception may be advised during treatment and for one week after the final dose (MedlinePlus).
  • Dizziness or seizures are possible, and driving or operating machinery should wait until you know how the medicine affects you (MedlinePlus).
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may interact with fluconazole and should not be started without advice from a healthcare professional (MedlinePlus).

Further reading

Last updated