WHAT TO KNOW
Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride
(Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid),
fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal,
heart problems. In rare cases, fluconazole
has caused severe liver damage, sometimes resulting
in death. Notify your doctor immediately if
you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin
or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored
stools. These symptoms may be early signs of
liver damage. In rare cases, fluconazole has
also caused severe skin rash, sometimes resulting
in death. Notify your doctor immediately fi
you develop a rash while taking fluconazole.
Take all of the fluconazole that has been prescribed
for you even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may begin to improve before the infection
is completely treated.
What Is Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is an antifungal med. It is like
an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections.
Fluconazole is used to treat yeast infections
of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; vaginal
yeast infections; fungal urinary tract infections;
pneumonia caused by yeast; and fungal infections
throughout the whole body and in the blood.
Fluconazole is also used to prevent fungal
infections from occurring in people with suppressed
immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy
patients, organ transplant patients, and AIDS
patients. Fluconazole may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this med
guide.
How To Use Fluconazole
Take fluconazole exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these instructions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. Take each dose with a full glass
of water. A single dose of this med is often
used to treat vaginal yeast infections. In
multiple-dose therapy, a double dose of fluconazole
is often taken on the first day of treatment
to quickly get the proper amount of medicine
into your body. Follow your doctor's directions.
Shake the suspension well before measuring
a dose. To ensure that you get the correct
dose, measure the suspension using a dose-measuring
spoon, cup, or dropper, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
one. Store the tablets at room temperature
away from moisture and heat. The suspension
can be stored at room temperature or in the
refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Throw away
any unused suspension after 14 days.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose
you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled
dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this
med unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Fluconazole OverDose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of
a fluconazole overdose include confusion, hallucinations,
paranoia, decreased movement, decreased breathing,
tearing eyes, drooling, urinary incontinence,
seizures, and death.
Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking fluconazole and seek
emergency medical attention or notify your
doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives)
liver damage (pale stools, yellowish skin or
eyes, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or dark
urine); or a rash.
Other, less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. If you experience any of the
following side effects, continue taking fluconazole
and talk to your doctor:
nausea
vomiting
abdominal pain
diarrhea
headache
dizziness
fatigue
itching
Side effects other than those listed here may
also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Contra Indications
Use alcohol with moderation while taking fluconazole.
Alcohol and fluconazole can both affect your
liver. Use caution when driving or performing
other hazardous activities. Fluconazole may
cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness,
avoid these activities.
Fluconazole Precautions
Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride
(Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid),
fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal,
heart problems. Before taking fluconazole,
tell your doctor if you have any other medical
conditions, especially kidney disease, or if
you take other medicines. You may not be able
to take fluconazole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during your
treatment. Fluconazole is in the FDA pregnancy
category C. This means that it is not known
whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not
take this med without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant. Fluconazole passes
into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
For this reason, fluconazole should not be
taken by nursing mothers. Do not take this
med without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride
(Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid),
fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal,
heart problems. Before taking fluconazole,
tell your doctor if you are taking any other
medicines, especially any of the following:
an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide
(Glucotrol)
You may not be able to take Fluconazole, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above. Drugs other than those
listed here may also interact with fluconazole
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.