FLUCONAZOLE

Generic Name: fluconazole (flew CAW nah zole)
Brand Names: Diflucan

What is the most important information I should know about fluconazole?
Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
In rare cases, fluconazole has caused severe liver damage, sometimes resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
In rare cases, fluconazole has also caused severe skin rash, sometimes resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately fi you develop a rash while taking fluconazole.
Take all of the fluconazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What is fluconazole?
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat fungal infections.
Fluconazole is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; vaginal yeast infections; fungal urinary tract infections; pneumonia caused by yeast; and fungal infections throughout the whole body and in the blood. Fluconazole is also used to prevent fungal infections from occurring in people with suppressed immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy patients, organ transplant patients, and AIDS patients.
Fluconazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluconazole?
Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially kidney disease, or if you take other medicines. You may not be able to take fluconazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
Fluconazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take fluconazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Fluconazole passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. For this reason, fluconazole should not be taken by nursing mothers. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take fluconazole?
Take fluconazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
A single dose of this medication is often used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
In multiple-dose therapy, a double dose of fluconazole is often taken on the first day of treatment to quickly get the proper amount of medicine into the body. Follow your doctor's directions.
Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension using a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
It is important to take fluconazole regularly to get the most benefit.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a fluconazole overdose include confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, decreased movement, decreased breathing, tearing eyes, drooling, urinary incontinence, seizures, and death.

What should I avoid while taking fluconazole?
Avoid alcohol or use it in moderation while taking fluconazole. Alcohol and fluconazole can both affect the liver.
Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Fluconazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of fluconazole?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluconazole and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
liver damage (pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or dark urine); or
a rash.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, continue taking fluconazole and talk to your doctor:
nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
diarrhea;
headache;
dizziness;
fatigue; or
itching.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect fluconazole?
Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), and others;
warfarin (Coumadin);
phenytoin (Dilantin, others);
cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
cisapride (Propulsid);
a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), estazolam (ProSom) and others;
tacrolimus ((Prograf);
rifabutin (Mycobutin) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); or
theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others); or
astemizole (Hismanal).
You may not be able to take fluconazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluconazole or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.