Drug Uses

Diflucan is used in the treatment of fungal infections called candidiasis (vaginal infections, throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere). Some instances of the condition are Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis and Cryptococcal meningitis. The drug may also be prescribed to reduce the incidence of candidiasis in people undergoing bone marrow transplant.

Usage

Diflucan is available in both capsule as well as liquid form. If you are taking the liquid, then shake it well to mix it evenly. For capsule, take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature. Keep away from direct exposure to heat or moisture. Protect from children. Do not freeze the liquid.

Overdose

Confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, decreased movement, decreased breathing, tearing eyes, drooling; urinary incontinence, seizures, and death in extreme cases are some of the symptoms of a Diflucan overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

Your liver condition needs to be monitored before starting treatment with the drug. If you develop a rash while taking the drug, then contact your doctor immediately. The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Diflucan if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Diflucan
you are taking astemizole, an aldosterone blocker (eg, eplerenone), cisapride, an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergotamine), erythromycin, pimozide, a serotonin (5-HT1) receptor agonist (eg, eletriptan), or terfenadine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Diflucan . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a weakened immune system, kidney or liver disease, or an irregular heartbeat
if you are allergic to other azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole)


Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Diflucan . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, serotonin receptor agonists (eg, eletriptan), macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), quinolines (eg, ciprofloxacin), or terfenadine because the risk of severe irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation) may be increased
Rifabutin because the risk of certain eye problems (eg, uveitis) may be increased
Macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus) because the risk of kidney problems may be increased
Rifampin or proton pump inhibitors (eg, omeprazole) because they may decrease Diflucan 's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine ), haloperidol, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or "statins" (eg, simvastatin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), methadone, muscarinic antagonists (eg, solifenacin, tolterodine), narcotics (eg, codeine), ramelteon, sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Diflucan.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in taste; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain.


Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; scaly, red skin over a large portion of the body; swollen or tender abdomen; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
More Information

If you have any questions about Diflucan , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Diflucan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.