Diflucan

Diflucan

     * Generic Name: fluconazole
     * Brand Name: Diflucan


     * What is fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * What are the possible side effects of fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * How should I take fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Diflucan)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Diflucan)?
     * What should I avoid while taking fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * What other drugs will affect fluconazole (Diflucan)?
     * Where can I get more information (Diflucan)?

What is fluconazole (Diflucan)?

   Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine.

   Fluconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can
   invade any part of the body including the mouth, throat, esophagus,
   lungs, bladder, genital area, and the blood.

   Fluconazole is also used to prevent fungal infection in people who have
   a weak immune system caused by cancer treatment, bone marrow
   transplant, or diseases such as AIDS.

   Fluconazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of fluconazole (Diflucan)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
   (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
   severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain,
   red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
       breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
     * fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
     * easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * skin rash or skin lesions; or
     * liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right
       side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing
       of the skin or eyes).

   Common side effects may include:
     * stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach;
     * headache;
     * dizziness; or
     * changes in your sense of taste.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fluconazole
(Diflucan)?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used
   together.

   Diflucan Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluconazole
(Diflucan)?

   You should not use fluconazole if you are allergic to it.

   Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with
   fluconazole. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also
   use:
     * an antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medicine;
     * a blood thinner;
     * cancer medicine;
     * cholesterol medication;
     * oral diabetes medicine;
     * heart or blood pressure medication;
     * medicine for malaria or tuberculosis;
     * medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
     * medicine to treat depression or mental illness;
     * an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug);
     * seizure medicine; or
     * steroid medicine.

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * liver disease;
     * HIV or AIDS;
     * cancer;
     * heart disease or heart rhythm disorder;
     * long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
     * kidney disease; or
     * if you are allergic to other antifungal medicine (such as
       ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, posaconazole,
       voriconazole, and others).

   The liquid form of fluconazole contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor
   before using this form of fluconazole if you have a problem digesting
   sugars or milk.

   Fluconazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to
   prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine, and tell your
   doctor if you become pregnant.

   It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this
   medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How should I take fluconazole (Diflucan)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all
   medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as
   directed.

   Your dose will depend on the infection you are treating. Vaginal
   infections are often treated with only one pill. For other infections,
   your first dose may be a double dose. Carefully follow your doctor's
   instructions.

   You may take fluconazole with or without food.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the
   dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a
   kitchen spoon).

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your
   symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of
   infection that is resistant to medication. Fluconazole will not treat a
   viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

   Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

   Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   You may store liquid fluconazole in a refrigerator, but do not allow it
   to freeze. Throw away any leftover liquid that is more than 2 weeks
   old.

   Diflucan Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Diflucan)?

   Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
   almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose (Diflucan)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include confusion or unusual
   thoughts or behavior.

What should I avoid while taking fluconazole (Diflucan)?

   Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food,
   beverages, or activity.

   Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine
   will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect fluconazole (Diflucan)?

   Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time.
   Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which
   may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

   Many drugs can interact with fluconazole, and some drugs should not be
   used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
   are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your
   current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Diflucan)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluconazole.
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