Fluconazole is a widely used antifungal medicine for averting and treating yeast and fungal infections, including vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, candida infection of peritoneum (peritonitis), and esophageal candidiasis. It is also used for treating cryptococcal meningitis, which is a type of brain infection caused by fungus known as cryptococcus.
Belonging to a class of drugs known as azole antifungals, fluconazole functions by hindering the reproduction ability of particular types of fungus, including cryptococcus and candida. This drug is also given for preventing candidiasis among those undergoing bone marrow transplants. Available in suspension and tablet forms, a prescription for fluconazole is required. At times, considering the requirement, fluconazole can be administered through injection as well by your healthcare professional.
Now that we have a fair idea of what fluconazole is, let’s proceed further and have a comprehensive overview of this drug, its uses, side-effects, and risks.
Fluconazole Uses
Fluconazole use is mainly for treating fungal and yeast infections of different body parts, including mouth, vagina, throat, oesophagus, abdomen, and lungs. Fluconazole, which can also be used for treating blood infections, has found its use for warding off yeast infections among those undergoing radiation or chemotherapy before bone marrow transplantation. Doctors prescribe fluconazole to those patients too who have a weak defence mechanism or have recently undergone a bone marrow transplant or are afflicted with HIV.
Fluconazole Dosage and Precautions
Adhering to proper dosage of any drug holds great importance as overuse may cause more harm than good and underdosage may not prove helpful in curing infection. Hence, it is important to take fluconazole doses as directed by your physician. Here are some of the tips you must follow:
1. Don’t stop taking medicine even if you start feeling better. Complete the treatment as prescribed in order to clear the infection completely.
2. Fluconazole can be taken with or without food but consult your doctor in case you have any query/concern. Fluconazole dose depends on the severity of illness coupled with the age group of the patient. Hence, refrain from taking this medicine on your own or giving yours to someone suffering from a fungal/yeast infection.
Additionally, it is important to take proper precautions too before starting treatment with this drug. Always inform your doctor if you are allergic to this class of drugs, be it fluconazole, ketoconazole or itraconazole. Besides, in case you have a medical history (liver and kidney diseases in particular), do make sure to tell your healthcare provider in advance, as this drug may prove harmful or even fatal in the worst-case scenario. Furthermore, if you have been prescribed any other medication, do inform your doctor as different medicines have the potential to interact with each other, thus causing side effects like irregular heartbeat and severe dizziness. Hence, it is vital to discuss all these aspects with your healthcare provider in order to pave the way for safe and effective use of fluconazole.
Fluconazole Risks
Fluconazole can pose risk if not taken in prescribed dosage or combined with other drugs. There are certain medications, which can interact with fluconazole and pose serious risks. These drugs include clopidogrel, diabetes drugs, warfarin, some antidepressants, heart rhythm drugs, methadone, etc. However, you need to be aware that nothing can match medical advice with your doctor. It is always advisable to consult them for possible interactions, side effects, and risks of fluconazole.
Fluconazole Side Effects
Just like any other medicine, fluconazole also has its share of side effects, although not everyone might experience them. Moreover, side effects of this drug also depend upon the dosage and the length of treatment. Some of the common side effects of fluconazole include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, stomach pain, hair loss, change in taste, dizziness, vomiting and rashes. These side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days or weeks after treatment completion. However, if you feel that fluconazole side effects are affecting your everyday activities or are worsening day by day, make sure to consult your doctor without any delay.
Conclusion
Overall, fluconazole is usually considered to be safe and doesn’t cause any side effects if taken the right way. So, it is important that you take it as prescribed by your doctor, whether it is in tablet form or suspension. Do discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider so that they can tailor a safe and effective therapy plan for treating your infection. So, be aware and stay safe!
