Fluconazole is a drug to treat diseases caused by fungal infections.Sone of them is fungal infection Candida (candidiasis). This yeast infection can occur in the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, lungs, urinary tract, or bloodstream.
In addition to treating candidiasis, fluconazole can also be used to treat meningitis caused by fungi Cryptococcus (cryptococcal meningitis) and prevent fungal infections in people with weak immune systems.
Fluconazole works by interfering with the formation of ergosterol. Ergosterol is an important component of fungal cell membranes. In addition, this drug also prevents the formation of fungal cells.
Fluconazole trademark: Candipar, Cryptal, Diflucan, FCZ, Fluconazole, Flucoral, Fludis, Fluxar, Govazol, Kifluzol, Quazol, Zemyc
What is Fluconazole
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | antifungal medicine |
| Benefit | Stops or inhibits fungal growth Candida and Cryptococcus |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Fluconazole for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Fluconazole carries a risk of miscarriage. Fluconazole may be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult a doctor before taking this drug, so that the doctor can weigh the benefits with the risks. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules and injections |
Precautions Before Using Fluconazole
Fluconazole should not be used carelessly. Before using fluconazole, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to fluconazole or to other azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart rhythm disorders, or electrolyte disturbances.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking fluconazole before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not drive a vehicle or perform activities that require alertness while taking fluconazole, as this drug can cause dizziness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking fluconazole.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Fluconazole
The dose of fluconazole that your doctor prescribes can be different for each patient. The following are common doses of fluconazole injection, tablets, or capsules based on their intended use:
Purpose: Treating oropharyngeal candidiasis
- Mature: 200–400 mg on the first day, followed by 100–200 mg, once daily, for 7–21 days. The preventive dose in people with HIV is 100–200 mg, once a day, or 200 mg, 3 times a week.
- 0 child-14 days: Initial dose is 6 mg/kg, followed by 3 mg/kg, every 72 hours. The maximum dose is 12 mg/kg every 72 hours.
- 15–27 days: Initial dose is 6 mg/kg, followed by 3 mg/kg, every 48 hours. The maximum dose is 12 mg/kg every 48 hours.
- Children aged 28 days–11 years: Initial dose is 6 mg/kg, followed by 3 mg/kg once daily.
Purpose: Treating esophageal candidiasis
- Mature: 200–400 mg on the first day, followed by 100–200 mg, once daily for 14–30 days. Preventive dose in people with HIV: 100–200 mg, once daily, or 200 mg, 3 times weekly.
- Children 0–14 days old: Initial dose is 6 mg/kg, followed by 3 mg/kg, every 72 hours. The maximum dose is 12 mg/kg every 72 hours.
- Children 15–27 days old: Initial dose is 6 mg/kg, followed by 3 mg/kg, every 48 hours. The maximum dose is 12 mg/kg every 48 hours.
- Children aged 28 days–11 years: Initial dose 6 mg/kg, followed by 3 mg/kg, once daily.
Purpose: Treat coccidioidomycosis
- Mature: 200–400 mg, once daily, for 11–24 months.
Purpose: Treating invasive candidiasis
- Mature: 800 mg on the first day, followed by 400 mg, once daily, for 2 weeks.
- Child aged 4 weeks until 11 years old: 6–12 mg/kg, once daily.
Purpose: Treat cryptococcal meningitis
- Mature: 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200–400 mg, once daily, for 6–8 weeks. The preventive dose for patients at high risk of recurrence is 200 mg, once daily.
- Child aged 4 weeks until 11 years old: 6–12 mg/kg, once daily. The maintenance dose is 6 mg/kg, once a day.
Purpose: Treating chronic atrophic candidiasis
- Mature: 50 mg, once daily, for 14 days.
Purpose: Treat candiduria
- Mature: 200–400 mg, once daily, for 7–21 days.
Purpose: Treating chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
- Mature: 50–100 mg, once daily, for 28 days.
Purpose: Preventing fungal infections in patients with weakened immune systems
- Mature: 200–400 mg, once daily.
- Children 4 weeks–11 years: 3–12 mg/kg, once daily.
Purpose: Treatment of penile candidiasis (candidal balanitis) and vaginal candidiasis
- Mature: 150 mg as a single dose. The dose for the treatment of recurrent vaginal candidiasis is 150 mg, once per 3 days for a total of 3 doses (days 1,4, and 7), followed by a maintenance dose of 150 mg, once weekly for 6 months.
Purpose: Treating fungal skin infections (dermatophytosis)
- Mature: 150 mg, once weekly, or 50 mg, once daily.
Purpose: Treating tinea versicolor (tinea versicolor)
- Mature: 300–400 mg, once weekly, for 1–3 weeks, or 50 mg, once daily, for 2–4 weeks.
How to Use Fluconazole Correctly
Use fluconazole as directed by your doctor and the information on the package label. Do not stop using this medicine before the time prescribed by your doctor, even if the infection seems to have cleared up. This is done to prevent the fungus from growing back.
For injectable fluconazole preparations, the administration will be carried out directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Try to take fluconazole regularly at the same time every day. This is done to maximize the effect of the drug.
If you forget to use fluconazole, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember if the interval with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
In general, patients will feel better after a few days of starting fluconazole treatment. Call your doctor right away if your symptoms don't improve or get worse.
Store fluconazole at room temperature in a closed container so that it is out of reach of children and direct sunlight.
Fluconazole Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur if you take fluconazole with other medicines:
- Reducing blood levels of fluconazole when used with rifampicin
- Increase the level of ciclosporin in the blood
- Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used with simvastatin or atorvastatin
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, quinidine, haloperidol, hydroxychloroquine, or erthromycin
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin
- Increases risk of hypoglycaemia when used with glipizide or glimepiride
Side Effects and Dangers of Fluconazole
Some of the side effects that can occur after using fluconazole are:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Changes in the tongue
- Dizzy
- Diarrhea
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Faint
- Continuous nausea or vomiting
- Unusual feeling of tiredness that feels heavier
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Easy bruising
- Jaundice