Diflucan
Diflucan is an antifungal medicine used to treat and prevent fungal infections, especially those caused by the Candida yeast.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose. For adults, the initial dose is often 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200-400 mg once a day.
Method
Shake the bottle well before use. Take the medicine by mouth using the oral syringe, slowly dispensing it against the inside of your cheek, and take it at the same time each day.
The maximum daily dose for children is 400 mg. For adults, the maximum dose is usually 400 mg per day, but your doctor may sometimes prescribe up to 800 mg for severe infections.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- •Abnormal liver blood test results
- •Rash
- •Reduced red blood cells (causing pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath)
- •Decreased appetite
- •Insomnia or drowsiness
- •Seizures, dizziness, tingling, changes in taste
- •Constipation, indigestion, flatulence, dry mouth
- •Muscle pain
- •Severe liver damage, yellowing of skin and eyes
- •Hives, increased sweating
- •Fatigue, general unwell feeling, fever
- •Decreased white blood cells or platelets
- •Red or purple skin discoloration
- •Low potassium in blood
- •High cholesterol or fats in blood
- •Tremors
- •Changes in heart rhythm (seen on EKG)
- •Hair loss
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to fluconazole or similar antifungal medicines, or any other ingredient. Signs include itching, red skin, or trouble breathing.
- Do not take Diflucan if you are already taking astemizole, terfenadine (for allergies), cisapride (for stomach problems), pimozide (for mental illness), quinidine (for irregular heartbeat), or erythromycin (an antibiotic).
- Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart problems, including irregular heartbeats.
- Stop taking Diflucan and see a doctor right away if you get a widespread rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome), or severe skin reactions with blisters or peeling skin.
- Do not use if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant, unless your doctor specifically tells you to. If you are breastfeeding, check with your doctor, especially for long-term use.
Show 3 more warnings
- This medicine may cause dizziness or seizures, so be careful when driving or operating machines.
- If you have sugar intolerance or diabetes, be aware that this medicine contains sugar. Long-term use (over 2 weeks) can harm your teeth.
- This medicine contains sodium benzoate, which may increase the risk of jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) in newborns (up to 4 weeks old).
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Risk of QT prolongation. Reduce the dose in moderately severe renal impairment. Monitor liver values. Consider the numerous potential interactions, especially with warfarin. (updated 4.12.2023)