Diflucan (Fluconazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Diflucan Used For?
Diflucan contains fluconazole and belongs to a group of medicines called azole antibiotics. It is prescribed to treat various fungal and yeast infections in both adults and children.
Primary Uses
Diflucan capsules (for adults) and oral suspension (for children) are used to treat certain fungal and yeast infections throughout the body.
How It Works
Diflucan works by preventing the growth of the fungal and yeast organisms that are causing your infection, helping your body fight off the infection naturally.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Diflucan
Your doctor will determine the right dose and duration of treatment based on your specific condition and how you respond to the medication.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: Usually 50mg to 400mg once daily (up to 800mg on the first day). Children: 3mg to 25mg per kilogram of body weight once daily (up to 800mg on first day, 400mg thereafter). Take at the same time each day with or without food. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water. Oral suspension should be shaken well and measured accurately with a medicine measure.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If you have more time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Complete the full course even if you feel better.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea
- Acne
- Blurred or abnormal vision
- Hot flushes
- Constipation
- Low blood potassium (fatigue, muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms)
- Changes in liver function
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe itching, skin rash, hives
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Reddish or purplish blotches under skin
- Skin flaking
- Dark urine and light-colored bowel movements
- Fever, severe chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers
- Fainting, seizures or fits
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Increased sweating
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Diflucan treatment.
Who Should Not Take Diflucan
Do not take if you are allergic to fluconazole or related medicines like miconazole, ketoconazole, or clotrimazole. Do not take if you are using terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, erythromycin, pimozide, or quinidine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart problems, kidney problems, HIV or a weakened immune system, or any allergies to foods, preservatives, dyes, or other medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Diflucan should be avoided during pregnancy except for severe or life-threatening infections. Use effective contraception during treatment and for about 1 week after the final dose. Not recommended while breastfeeding. May decrease effectiveness of some birth control pills.
Liver Monitoring: Your doctor may need to monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Diflucan, affecting how well it works or increasing the risk of side effects.
- Diabetes medications (glipizide, tolbutamide, glibenclamide)
- Antibiotics and antivirals (rifampicin, rifabutin, zidovudine, amphotericin B, azithromycin, saquinavir, voriconazole)
- Heart medications (amiodarone, verapamil)
- Immune system drugs (ciclosporin, everolimus, tacrolimus, sirolimus, tofacitinib)
- Cholesterol medications (atorvastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin)
- Cancer treatments (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, vinblastine, olaparib, ibrutinib)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Seizure medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisone, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib)
- Pain medications (alfentanil, fentanyl, methadone)
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness while taking Diflucan.
Alcohol
No specific information available about alcohol interactions with Diflucan.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving vehicles or operating machinery as occasional dizziness or seizures may occur while taking Diflucan.
Storage
Keep Diflucan in its original packaging until ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Store below 30°C. Do not use after the expiry date. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Diflucan, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continue taking Diflucan until you finish the pack or bottle, or until your doctor recommends stopping. The length of treatment depends on your type of infection. Don’t stop early just because you feel better, as the infection may not clear completely.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Diflucan before or after food. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
No, Diflucan is not addictive. It’s an antifungal medication that works by preventing fungal growth.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. If you have more time, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
The medication information doesn’t provide specific details about alcohol interactions with Diflucan. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Yes, Diflucan may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about using additional contraception methods while taking this medication.
Don’t stop taking Diflucan or reduce the dose without checking with your doctor first. If you don’t complete the full course, the infection may not clear completely or may return.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.