How does fluconazole tablet work

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.

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.

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:.

Common side effects These common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or a pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: headache stomach pain diarrhoea feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting rash Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in people. Call a doctor immediately if: you get yellow skin, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or if you have pale poo and dark pee — these can be signs of liver problems you bruise more easily or get infections more easily — these can be signs of a blood disorder you have a faster or irregular heartbeat Serious allergic reaction It happens rarely but it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to fluconazole.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. What to do about: headache — rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller if you need one. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your tummy may also help. If you are in a lot of pain, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you are being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. It might help to take your fluconazole after a meal or snack. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is right for you.

If the rash gets worse, or does not get better after a week, speak to your doctor. Fluconazole and pregnancy Fluconazole is usually not recommended in pregnancy.

Fluconazole and breastfeeding If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can use fluconazole when you're breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Some medicines and fluconazole interfere with each other. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines before you start taking fluconazole: pimozide or quetiapine — used to treat some kinds of mental illness reboxetine — used for treating depression erythromycin — an antibiotic ergotamine — used for migraine or headaches amiodarone — used for heart problems warfarin — an anticoagulant carbamazepine — for epilepsy and nerve pain losartan — for high blood pressure and heart failure statins — for high cholesterol These are not all the medicines that interfere with fluconazole.

Mixing fluconazole with herbal remedies and supplements There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with fluconazole. Important Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does fluconazole work? How long does it take to work?

Fluconazole is used for many different fungal infections. What if it does not work? If your symptoms get worse at any time, speak to your doctor.

How long will I take it for? Speak to your doctor if you want to stop taking it for any reason. Is fluconazole safe to take for a long time? You usually take fluconazole for a short time to clear an infection. Are there other medicines for fungal infections? Antifungal medicines include: clotrimazole econazole fenticonazole itraconazole ketoconazole miconazole griseofulvin terbinafine.

Will it affect my contraception? Will it affect my fertility? Can I drink alcohol with it? People with abnormal heart rhythms: Using fluconazole can affect your heart rhythm. If you already have an abnormal heart rhythm, taking fluconazole may lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems. Your doctor will monitor you for a rash and peeling skin.

Pregnant women: Research in humans has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes this drug in doses of mg or higher. In lower doses, research in animals has shown adverse effects. Ask your doctor to tell you about the specific harm that may be done to the fetus. Women who are breastfeeding: Fluconazole passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this drug.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. This dosage information is for fluconazole oral tablet. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:.

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. For people with kidney disease: If you have kidney disease and are supposed to take more than a single dose of fluconazole, your dose may be lowered. Your doctor may give you a first dose of 50— mg, with additional doses that range between that amount and half of that amount, based on your kidney function.

Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Fluconazole oral tablet is used for both short-term and long-term treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body.

Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:. If your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to fluconazole.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish taking the fluconazole, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Fluconazole pronounced as floo kon' na zole. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?