The generic fluconazole is another antifungal ingredient to treat yeast infection. Fluconazole effectively cures Candida Albican infections of the mouth, esophagus, urinary tract, lungs, bladder, genital areas and blood. The most popular brand of fluconazole is Diflucan.
Fluconazole is usually taken as a single-dose treatment for sensitive fungi by impeding the growth of fungal membranes until they weaken and are killed.
Formulation
Fluconazole comes in tablets of 50, 100, 150 and 200 milligrams. Oral suspension powder in 10 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml can also be prescribed for oral yeast infection. Some patients are given in injection form of 2 mg/ml.
Dosage
To treat thrush, adults are given 200 mg of fluconazole on the first day, followed by a daily dose of 100 mg for at least two weeks for patients suffering from thrush of the mouth or throat. For thrush of the esophagus, at least three weeks of 100 mg daily dose will totally cure the yeast infection.
For women with vaginal yeast infection, doctors will prescribe a single dose of 150 mg taken with or without food intake. Fluconazole for vaginal candidiasis should not be inserted in the vagina; it works through the bloodstream.
Brand Name
Fluconazole is available over-the-counter under the popular brand name Diflucan.
Side Effects
Although there has been no feedback on serious side effects from patients taking fluconazole, some patients my experience any of the following:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset/pain
- Headache and dizziness
- Hair loss
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
Fluconazole may rarely cause serious side effects to your liver but notify your doctor if any of these symptoms occur:
- Rash, hives, itching
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling in the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Unusual hoarseness or wheezing
- Burning, numbness or tingling sensation
- Dark urine
- Fever, chills
- Persistent sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Weakness or cramping
- Pale stools
- Red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Swelling of the hands
- Unusal bruising or bleeding
- Unusual tiredness
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
Helpful Information When Using Fluconazole
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications or are allergic to fluconazole. The following medications may cause adverse reaction when taking fluconazole:
- Hydrochlorothiazide which may increase the side effects of fluconazole.
- Rifampin reduces the blood concentration of oral fluconazole and reducing the effectiveness of fluconazole.
- Warfarin may lead to increased tendency to bleed.
Always tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- a heart rhythm disorder
- a personal or family history of congenital heart disorder like Long QT syndrome
- pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast-feeding
- allergy to another azole anti-fungal like itaconazole
- weakened immune system, HIV infection, diabetes, cancer, or blood electrolyte problems like low magnesium or potassium levels