Fluconazole for fungal infections

About fluconazole

Many types of fungi live harmlessly on our skin. However, some types of fungi can thrive and multiply on the surface of our bodies and cause infections of the skin, mouth or vagina. The most common fungi to cause skin infections are the tinea group of fungi. A common fungal infection of the mouth and vagina is called thrush. This is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast (which is a type of fungus) called candida.

Fungal infections sometimes occur within the body also. You are more at risk of developing an internal fungal infection if your immune system does not work properly. For example, if you are having chemotherapy, or if you are taking medicines for rheumatic disease, or if you have HIV/AIDS. Internal fungal infections can be serious.

You will have been prescribed fluconazole to treat a fungal infection, or to help prevent a fungal infection from developing. It works by killing yeast and fungi.

Fluconazole is available on prescription, and it can also be bought at pharmacies, without a prescription, for the treatment of vaginal thrush.

Before taking fluconazole

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking fluconazole it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have a heart rhythm problem.

• If you have problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have a rare inherited blood condition called porphyria.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. This is important because fluconazole can interfere with a number of other medicines and cause problems.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take fluconazole

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about fluconazole and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• There are several strengths of fluconazole capsule available - 50 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you what dose to take and how often to take it, as this will depend upon the nature of your infection/condition. The dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you of what was said. Fluconazole can be taken at any time of day, and can be taken either before or after a meal. Swallow the capsule with a drink of water.

• Infections such as vaginal thrush can be treated with a single 150 mg dose; other infections require a course of treatment possibly lasting a number of weeks.

• If you have been prescribed a course of treatment, remember to continue taking the capsules/medicine until the course is finished. Fluconazole is usually prescribed as a once-daily dose. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. If you are taking a course of fluconazole, you may need to have a blood test to check that it is not affecting your liver if you are taking it for more than one month.

• If your symptoms do not improve despite taking fluconazole, speak again with your pharmacist or doctor so that your infection can be investigated further.

• If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with fluconazole.

Can fluconazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with fluconazole. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to fluconazole, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store fluconazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines