Drug Name: Fluconazole
Brand Names: Diflucan
Generic Name: Fluconazole
Uses: Fluconazole is in a class of antifungal medicines known as triazoles. It is used to treat fungal infections in internal parts or organs. It is also used to prevent yeast infections during therapies that tend to decrease the body’s defense mechanisms, such as chemotherapy.
How to use: Fluconazole comes as a tablet or a liquid suspension, both of which are to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once per day over a period of time, depending on your doctor’s instructions. The length of treatment depends on your condition and on how well you respond to Fluconazole. Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Fluconazole.
Fluconazole in tablet form or liquid suspension must be taken with a full glass of water. Before using the liquid suspension, shake the bottle well before using it to mix the medicine evenly.
Side Effects: Fluconazole may cause some side effects which include headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pains, heartburns, itching and inability to taste food. If these side effects become severe, contact your doctor immediately.
There are some rare but serious side effects that can occur. These include upset stomach, fatigue, unusual bruising, unusual bleeding, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, seizures, allergic reactions, and a difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If these happen, stop taking the medication and consult your doctor immediately.
Precautions: Be sure to tell your doctor about any drugs or supplements that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Fluconazole or some other medication. Also, tell your doctor if you have any history of cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), irregular heartbeats, or heart, kidney and liver diseases.
Drug Interaction: Fluconazole should not be taken with cisapride, since doing so may cause severe, and sometimes fatal, heart problems. Also, Fluconazole may be affected when taking benzodiazepines and oral diabetes medicine. Your doctor may need to reduce or change your prescription dosage as required.
Overdose: Symptoms of Fluconazole overdose include seizures and hallucinations. In case of Fluconazole overdose, seek emergency medical treatment.
Notes: Strenuous activities should be done carefully when taking Fluconazole, since you may experience dizziness and fatigue while doing so. If it can be helped, avoid these activities. Great care should also be exercised while driving. Be careful about rising up quickly from a standing or lying position.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the previous dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose since this can be dangerous.
Important Note: In rare cases, Fluconazole can cause liver damage. If you are experiencing yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine or pale stools while taking Fluconazole, notify your doctor immediately. Also, Fluconazole can cause severe rashes that may result in death. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop a rash when taking Fluconazole.
Storage: Fluconazole must be tightly sealed and kept at room temperature. Do not store it at places with excessive heat or places with excessive moisture (such as the bathroom). Keep it out of the reach of children. Unused liquid medication should be thrown away if not used within two full weeks. All unused medication should be disposed.
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