About Diflucan

Diflucan is a medication which is both antifungal and antibiotic. It is also used in reducing the occurrence of candidiasis in patients which are undergoing transplantation of the bone marrow.

Uses or Indications

Diflucan is used in the treatment of infections which are caused by fungi, those which can infect the blood, mouth, genital area, throat, bladder, esophagus, and lungs. It is also used as preventive medication to patients with a weakened immune system; they are more susceptible to fungal infection. Individuals with such a condition include those undergoing cancer treatments and bone marrow transplant, and those with immunity disorders such as AIDS.

How to Use Diflucan

Diflucan is commonly available in tablet form, with dosage strengths of 50 to 200mg; and as an oral suspension concentrate of 10 or 40mg/L. The dosage prescription will vary depending on the infection being treated. It is necessary that users follow the intake directions as prescribed by a physician. Vaginal fungal infections are usually treated with one pill, while for other types of infection treatment, the first dose can be a double dose. Consult a doctor first before drug intake.

Possible Side Effects

If the patient experiences an allergic reaction, a rash, or incurs liver damage as indicated by dark urine, abdominal pain, pale stool, unusual fatigue, and jaundice, discontinue use and get immediate medical help. If the following adverse effects are experienced, maintain treatment and consult with a doctor: itching, dizziness, fatigue; nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Drug Precautions

Patients who have a medical background of kidney or liver disease, a running history of a condition called Long QT syndrome in the family, and disorder of the heart rhythm, should inform their doctor before they undergo treatment with Diflucan. They may be unable to take the drug, or may have to undergo special tests and dose adjustments before intake. Pregnant and nursing women are also advised to do likewise, as Diflucan may have adverse effects on an unborn or nursing child. Those which are allergic to the drug or to others similar to it, such as voriconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, econazole, terconazole, ketoconazole, sulconazole, miconazole, and sertaconazole, are strongly discouraged from intake.

Drug Interaction

The following medications can interact with the use of Diflucan: tacrolimus; sedatives, including midazolam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam; rifampin or rifabutin; theophylline; medication for seizure, including valproic acid and phenytoin; cyclosporine; diabetes drugs for oral ingestion, including tolazamide, glipizide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, and glyburide; astemizole; and the blood thinner warfarin.

Missed Dose

Follow the intake schedule as prescribed by a physician. If a dose is missed, take the dose as it is remembered, on the condition that the next one is not too near as to result in a double dose. Avoid taking double doses of Diflucan in order to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

In case of an intake overdose, seek immediate medical help. Signs of an overdose of Diflucan include urinary incontinence, confusion, decreased breathing, drooling, hallucinations, decreased movement, tearing eyes, paranoia, seizures, and drooling.

Storage

Keep the medication below 30°C, but well above freezing temperature. Keep the tablet and liquid forms away from excessive heat and light.