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fluconazole
Used for Fungal Infection, Thrush, Yeast Infection
Used for Fungal Infection, Thrush, Yeast Infection
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat different types of Candida infections, such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. It can also treat a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a tablet and suspension. It's taken by mouth as a one-time dose for vaginal yeast infections; it's typically taken once daily for other types of infections. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well-tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can raise the risk of liver problems, so you're recommend to avoiding drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
What is Fluconazole (Diflucan)?
What is Fluconazole (Diflucan) used for?
- Treatment of infections caused by Candida:
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections, including oral thrush
- Bloodstream infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Peritonitis (infection of the lining of the stomach)
- Pneumonia
- Prevention of Candida fungal infections for people having a bone marrow transplant
- Cryptococcus meningitis
How Fluconazole (Diflucan) works
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal medication that works by stopping the fungus from being able to make a protective covering. This causes the fungus to not grow or survive.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Diflucan |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antifungal |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Fluconazole (Diflucan) essentials
Side effects of Fluconazole (Diflucan)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Single dose for vaginal yeast infection:
- Headache (13%)
- Nausea (7%)
- Stomach pain (6%)
- Diarrhea (3%)
Multiple doses for other infections:
- Nausea (4%)
- Headache (2%)
- Skin rash (2%)
- Vomiting (2%)
- Stomach pain (2%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Changes to taste
- Skin rash
Fluconazole (Diflucan) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Liver damage: nausea, vomiting, feeling tired, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eye (jaundice), dark-colored urine, pale-colored stool
- Serious allergic and skin reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening, skin scaling, skin itching
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
More on Fluconazole (Diflucan) side effects
The following Fluconazole (Diflucan) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Chills
clay-colored stools
dark urine
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
stomach pain, continuing
tightness in the chest
unpleasant breath odor
unusual tiredness or weakness
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes and skin
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chest pain or discomfort
decreased urine
fainting
hoarseness
increased thirst
irregular or slow heart rate
joint or muscle pain
loss of bladder control
lower back or side pain
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
muscle spasm or jerking of the arms and legs
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
seizures
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
sudden loss of consciousness
swollen glands
unusual bleeding or bruising
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Fearfulness, suspiciousness, or other mental changes
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Belching
change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
indigestion
stomach discomfort or upset
Incidence not known
Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$12.38
GoodRx discount
$8.17
Pros and cons of Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Pros
- Taken once daily for most infections
- Considered acceptable to take while breastfeeding
- Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Interacts with many medications
- Not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to babies
- Rare risk of liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- You can take fluconazole (Diflucan) with or without food. But nausea and stomach pain are common, so taking it with food can help ease or prevent these from happening.
- Make sure to finish your entire treatment course. Don't stop taking fluconazole (Diflucan) early unless your prescriber specifically told you to do so. Stopping fluconazole (Diflucan) too soon can cause your infection to come back and become more difficult to treat.
- If you're taking fluconazole (Diflucan) to treat a vaginal yeast infection, avoid having sex until your infection is completely better. Having sex before your infection is cleared up can be painful and make symptoms, like burning and itching, worse. There's also a risk to pass the infection to your partner.
- Although rare, fluconazole (Diflucan) can cause dizziness and seizures. Be careful while driving or operating machinery, especially if you have a history of seizures or other nervous system problems.
- Fluconazole (Diflucan) can interact with several medications, including warfarin (Coumadin), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and amiodarone. This isn't a complete list of everything that interacts with fluconazole (Diflucan). Make sure to tell your pharmacist about all of the medications you take before and during treatment with fluconazole (Diflucan).
- Contact your prescriber if you develop other symptoms of an illness or if your symptoms become worse. This could be a sign that you're infected with a virus or bacteria instead of a fungus. If so, you'll need to a different medication than fluconazole (Diflucan) because it's only used to treat certain fungal infections.
- If you're able to become pregnant, you're recommended to use effective birth control during fluconazole (Diflucan) treatment and for at least 1 week after your last dose. There's a chance that fluconazole (Diflucan) can cause birth defects.
More tips for fluconazole (Diflucan) oral suspension
- Shake the oral suspension each time before you measure out and take your dose.
- Only use the measuring device provided at the pharmacy. Don't use household spoons to measure your dose since this could cause you to take the wrong amount.
- Store fluconazole (Diflucan) at room temperature. The suspension is good for 2 weeks from when you receive it from the pharmacy. Throw the medication away after 2 weeks, even if there's still some left over.
More on Fluconazole (Diflucan) tips
Risks and warnings for Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Fluconazole (Diflucan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Liver damage
- Risk factors: Liver problems | Excessive alcohol use
Although rare, people who took fluconazole (Diflucan) have developed liver problems. Because of this risk, your prescriber might order blood tests before you start and during treatment to check your liver function tests to make sure your liver is healthy. Also, it's recommended to limit or avoid alcohol because it can also cause liver damage. Get medical attention right away if you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; stool changes; dark or brown urine; swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; or confusion. Your prescriber might ask you to stop taking fluconazole (Diflucan) in order to prevent further liver damage.
Allergic reaction
Severe allergic reactions to fluconazole (Diflucan) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). If you notice difficulty breathing; a choking sensation; dizziness; fast heartbeat; nausea; or swelling around your eyes, lips, or tongue after taking fluconazole (Diflucan), get medical attention right away.
Severe skin reaction
Very rarely, people have developed a serious, potentially life-threatening skin reaction called exfoliative dermatitis after starting fluconazole (Diflucan). This serious rash can cause itchiness, redness all over your body, and scaly and peeling skin. Get medical help right away if you notice a new or severe rash with fever, skin redness, or unexplained blisters.
Harm to unborn babies
It's generally recommended to avoid using fluconazole (Diflucan) while pregnant unless there's a clear need for the medication. While there haven't been a lot of studies about the safety of fluconazole (Diflucan) during pregnancy, the studies that are available suggest there's a small chance it can cause harm to babies. Examples include problems in the heart, head, face, and bones. If you're taking 400 mg to 800 mg of fluconazole (Diflucan) per day, it's recommended to use birth control during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose. If you become pregnant while you're taking fluconazole (Diflucan), stop taking the medication right away and talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of continuing to use the medication.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) dosage
The average cost for 2 tablets of 150mg of Fluconazole (Diflucan) is $11.92 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.55% off the average retail price of $15.39.
Typical dosage for Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Your healthcare provider will determine your dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) and length of treatment based on different factors, such as the type of infection you have and severe it is.
Adults:
- Vaginal yeast infection: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth as a single dose.
- Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Treatment typically lasts at least 2 weeks.
- Blood, lung, or other whole-body infection: The optimal dose hasn't been determined. Doses up to 400 mg daily have been prescribed. Ask your HCP for more information.
- UTI and peritonitis: The typical dose ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg by mouth once daily.
- Prevention of fungal infection: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth once daily.
- Cryptococcal meningitis: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily. Most people with this condition will take fluconazole (Diflucan) for several months.
Children: Your child's pediatrician will determine the dose based on your child's body weight and age.
- Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections: The typical dose is 6 mg/kg of body weight by mouth on the first day, then 3 mg/kg by mouth once per day. Treatment typically lasts at least 2 weeks.
- Whole-body infection: The typical dose is 25 mg/kg by mouth on the first day, then 9 mg/kg to 12 mg/kg by mouth once daily.
- Cryptococcal meningitis: The typical dose is 12 mg/kg by mouth on the first day, then 6 mg/kg by mouth once daily. Most children with this condition will take fluconazole (Diflucan) for several months.
Your dose might be different if you have kidney problems.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is also available as an intravenous (IV) injection that's given by a healthcare professional.
More on Fluconazole (Diflucan) dosage
Interactions between Fluconazole (Diflucan) and other drugs
Fluconazole (Diflucan) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fluconazole (Diflucan). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Fluconazole (Diflucan) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Alfuzosin
- Amiodarone
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Artemether
- Astemizole
- Atazanavir
- Bedaquiline
- Bepridil
- Buprenorphine
- Cisapride
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clozapine
- Crizotinib
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Dofetilide
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Dronedarone
- Eliglustat
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Flibanserin
- Glasdegib
- Granisetron
- Haloperidol
- Iloperidone
- Itraconazole
- Ivabradine
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
- Lapatinib
- Levomethadyl
- Lomitapide
- Lumefantrine
- Macimorelin
- Mefloquine
- Mesoridazine
- Methadone
- Mifepristone
- Mirtazapine
- Nilotinib
- Ondansetron
- Osilodrostat
- Panobinostat
- Pazopanib
- Pimavanserin
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Pitolisant
- Propafenone
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Ribociclib
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Selpercatinib
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sparfloxacin
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tamoxifen
- Telaprevir
- Telithromycin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Toremifene
- Trazodone
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Vemurafenib
- Vilanterol
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acalabrutinib
- Acenocoumarol
- Ajmaline
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Anagrelide
- Anisindione
- Apixaban
- Apomorphine
- Aprepitant
- Aprindine
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Atorvastatin
- Avapritinib
- Avatrombopag
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Azithromycin
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bosutinib
- Bretylium
- Brexpiprazole
- Brigatinib
- Buserelin
- Carbamazepine
- Carvedilol
- Ceritinib
- Cerivastatin
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Cilostazol
- Ciprofloxacin
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clopidogrel
- Cobimetinib
- Codeine
- Colchicine
- Conivaptan
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclosporine
- Deflazacort
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dibenzepin
- Dicumarol
- Dihydrocodeine
- Dihydroergotamine
- Disopyramide
- Dolasetron
- Doxepin
- Doxorubicin
- Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
- Droperidol
- Ebastine
- Efavirenz
- Elexacaftor
- Enflurane
- Eplerenone
- Ergoloid Mesylates
- Ergonovine
- Ergotamine
- Eribulin
- Famotidine
- Felbamate
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvastatin
- Formoterol
- Fosaprepitant
- Foscarnet
- Fostemsavir
- Galantamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Halofantrine
- Halothane
- Histrelin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydroquinidine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibrutinib
- Ibutilide
- Ifosfamide
- Imipramine
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Irbesartan
- Isoflurane
- Isradipine
- Ivacaftor
- Lefamulin
- Lemborexant
- Lenvatinib
- Levofloxacin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lidoflazine
- Lofexidine
- Lopinavir
- Lorcainide
- Lorlatinib
- Lovastatin
- Lumateperone
- Lurasidone
- Lurbinectedin
- Macitentan
- Meperidine
- Mephenytoin
- Meprobamate
- Methotrimeprazine
- Methylergonovine
- Metronidazole
- Milnacipran
- Mizolastine
- Moricizine
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Naloxegol
- Nevirapine
- Nisoldipine
- Nitrofurantoin
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Olaparib
- Osimertinib
- Ospemifene
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxycodone
- Ozanimod
- Paclitaxel
- Paliperidone
- Papaverine
- Parecoxib
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pemigatinib
- Pentamidine
- Pentazocine
- Perphenazine
- Pexidartinib
- Phenindione
- Phenobarbital
- Phenprocoumon
- Pipamperone
- Pirmenol
- Ponesimod
- Posaconazole
- Prajmaline
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Prochlorperazine
- Promethazine
- Protriptyline
- Ranolazine
- Rifabutin
- Rimegepant
- Risperidone
- Ruxolitinib
- Selumetinib
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Sildenafil
- Simeprevir
- Simvastatin
- Siponimod
- Sirolimus
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Sonidegib
- Sotalol
- Spiramycin
- Sufentanil
- Sulfamethoxazole
- Sulpiride
- Sultopride
- Tazemetostat
- Telavancin
- Temsirolimus
- Tetrabenazine
- Tezacaftor
- Theophylline
- Ticagrelor
- Tolterodine
- Tolvaptan
- Torsemide
- Tramadol
- Triazolam
- Triclabendazole
- Trifluoperazine
- Trimethoprim
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Ubrogepant
- Valdecoxib
- Venetoclax
- Venlafaxine
- Vinblastine
- Vincristine
- Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
- Vorinostat
- Vortioxetine
- Voxelotor
- Warfarin
- Zanubrutinib
- Zolmitriptan
- Zotepine
- Zuclopenthixol
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Atevirdine
- Celecoxib
- Cimetidine
- Etravirine
- Felodipine
- Fosphenytoin
- Losartan
- Midazolam
- Nicardipine
- Omeprazole
- Phenytoin
- Prednisone
- Ramelteon
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Rosuvastatin
- Suvorexant
- Tipranavir
- Tofacitinib
- Tretinoin
- Trimetrexate
- Zidovudine
How much does Fluconazole (Diflucan) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Fluconazole (Diflucan) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking certain medications that can prolong the QT interval (period of time when your heart resets after each pump)
What are alternatives to Fluconazole (Diflucan)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fluconazole (Diflucan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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