What it is used for
- Vaginal thrush (vaginal yeast infection)
- Oral and throat thrush (oral candidiasis)
- Other Candida infections
- Some fungal infections of the skin
- Prevention of fungal infection in people with weakened immune systems
How it works
Fluconazole damages the membrane that surrounds fungal cells by blocking an enzyme they need to make a key building block (ergosterol). Without an intact membrane the fungus cannot grow and is killed off, clearing the infection.
How it is taken
Available as capsules, oral liquid/suspension, and an injection used in hospital. Some single-dose capsules for vaginal thrush are sold over the counter in many countries, while longer courses are prescribed. Take it exactly as your doctor, pharmacist, or label directs and complete any prescribed course.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Altered sense of taste
Serious effects — get help
- Signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness, persistent nausea)
- Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling
- Irregular or fast heartbeat or fainting (possible heart-rhythm effect)
- Severe allergic reaction
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Warfarin and other blood thinners (bleeding risk)
- Certain statins
- Some medicines that affect heart rhythm
- Several other medicines processed by the liver, including some sedatives and diabetes drugs
- Always tell your clinician about every medicine you take
Who should take care
- Tell your doctor about liver or kidney problems or a history of heart-rhythm disorders
- Discuss use in pregnancy carefully; repeated or higher doses are generally avoided
- Use in breastfeeding only on clinical advice
- Mention any previous reaction to antifungal medicines