Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections called candidiasis. These include vaginal infections, throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere in the body, such as infections of the urinary tract, peritonitis, and pneumonia. Fluconazole is also prescribed to guard against candidiasis in some people receiving bone marrow transplants, and is used to treat meningitis caused by another type of fungus.
In addition, Fluconazole is now being prescribed for fungal infections in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients with AIDS.
Fluconazole capsules, suspension and infusion all contain the active ingredient Fluconazole, which is a type of drug called a triazole antifungal. Fluconazole is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Fluconazole is used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.
Fluconazole kills the fungi that are causing an infection by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane.
The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As Fluconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.
Fluconazole is used to treat a number of different types of fungal and yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida or Cryptococcus species of fungi.
It can be taken by mouth or may be administered via a drip into a vein depending on the type and severity of the infection. The length of treatment will also depend on the type and severity of the infection, for example vaginal thrush can normally treated with a single dose by mouth, while some other infections may require six to eight weeks of treatment.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- preventing relapse of disease caused by cryptococcus fungi eg cryptococcal meningitis in people with aids.;
- preventing fungal infections in people with a weakened immune system and low white blood cell counts for example due to chemotherapy radiotherapy or bone marrow transplants.;
- internal fungal infections caused by candida eg infections of the bloodstream urinary tract heart lungs abdomen or other widespread internal infections.;
- inflammation of the vagina caused by infection with candida albicans.;
- inflammation of the penis and/or foreskin caused by infection with candida albicans.;
- fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot ringworm jock itch pityriasis versicolor or candida skin infections.;
- fungal infections caused by cryptococcus fungi including cryptococcal meningitis and infections affecting the lungs or skin.;
- candida infections of the linings of the mouth throat lungs or urinary tract.;
- vomiting;
- skin rash;
- irregular heartbeat;
- headache;
- diarrhea;
- severe skin reactions;
- seizures;
- rash;
- raised levels of cholesterol in the blood;
- nausea and vomiting;
- liver disorders;
- indigestion;
- headache;
- hair loss;
- excess gas in the stomach and intestines;
- dizziness;
- diarrhoea;
- decrease in the number of white blood cells or platelets in the blood;
- decrease in the level of potassium in the blood;
- alteration in taste;
- alteration in results of liver function tests;
- allergic reactions;
- abdominal pain;
ADULTS
For vaginal infections
The usual treatment is a single 150-mg dose.
For throat infections
The usual dose for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once a day. You should see results in a few days, but treatment should continue for at least 2 weeks to avoid a relapse. For candidiasis of the esophagus the usual dose is 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once a day. A dose of 400 mg a day can also be taken if your infection is more severe. Treatment should continue for a minimum of 3 weeks and for at least 2 weeks after symptoms have stopped.
For systemic infections
Doses of up to 400 mg per day are sometimes prescribed.
For urinary infections and peritonitis
Doses range from 50 to 200 mg per day.
For cryptococcal meningitis
The usual dose is 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200 mg once a day. Treatment should continue for 10 to 12 weeks once tests of spinal fluid come back negative. For AIDS patients, a 200-mg dose taken once a day is recommended to prevent relapse.
Prevention of candidiasis during bone marrow transplantation
The usual dose is 400 mg once a day.
If you have kidney disease, your doctor may have to reduce your dosage.
CHILDREN
For throat infections
The usual dose for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is 6 mg for each 2.2 pounds of the child's weight on the first day, and 3 mg per 2.2 pounds once a day after that.
The duration of treatment is the same as that for adults.
For yeast infections of the esophagus
Cadidiasis in the upper digestive canal is usually treated with a dose of 6 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight on the first day, and half that amount once daily thereafter. Daily doses of up to 12 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight are sometimes prescribed.
For systemic infections
The drug has been given at 6 to 12 mg per 2.2 pounds of weight per day.
For cryptococcal meningitis
The usual dose is 12 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day on the first day, and 6 mg per 2.2 pounds per day after that. Treatment will last 10 to 12 weeks after the fungus disappears.
