Fluconazole

What Is Fluconzole Used For?

Fluconazole is an antifungal treatment that is used to treat various fungal infections, including thrush, ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot.

Fluconazole is also available as the brand Diflucan.

Two of the most common fungi that cause infections are candida and tinea. Invasive fungi such as these can infect the skin, nails, mouth, genitals, lungs and other vital organs, and even the blood.

The names of infections depends on the fungi that cause it, and where it is on the body. For example, tinea pedis is a tinea infection on the feet - also known colloquially as Athlete's foot, and oral candidiasis is a candida infection in the mouth (oral thrush).

Fungal infections are contagious, so it's very important to get treatment as soon as you can. Extra precautions may need to be taken to prevent the spread of fungal spores, such as washing your clothing and bedding more often, avoiding contact with infected areas of skin, and preventing scratching.

Fluconazole kills the fungi directly. Depending on the severity of the infection, fluconzole may need to taken for a long time. Though in most cases of uncomplicated fungal infections, a single 150mg dose is usually sufficient.

Below are some of the conditions fluconazole is effective at treating:

Vaginal Thrush

Vaginal thrush occurs when yeast - which is already present in the vagina - overgrows. This can happen due to many factors including taking antibiotics, having diabetes, taking a hormonal contraceptive pill or damage to tissues within the vagina.

In some cases, vaginal thrush can be passed on to your partner, resulting in candida balanitis (penile thrush). If this is the case, both you and your partner will need to be treated.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is the colloquial name for tinea pedis - a fungal infection which affects the feet.

The yeast thrives in warm and damp environments, such as damp towels, socks, shoes and communal changing facilities.

The fungus usually causes skin scaling, itching, bumps and cracked skin between the toes. Like other fungal infections, athlete's foot is contagious and should be treated as soon as you notice it.

Ringworm and jock itch

Despite the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm, but instead is caused by a fungus. The name refers to the distinct red circular rash which develops as a result of this fungal skin infection.

Jock itch - also known as dhobie itch - is the name given when a fungal affection occurs around the groin area. Like athlete's foot, its name shares its origin in sport. Jock itch can occur by spreading athletes foot to the groin either by scratching or from contaminated towels.

Both ringworm and jock itch are caused by the same fungus. The names are given depending on where the infection is present.

Ringworm can become jock itch - and vice versa - if you spread the infection from one part of your body to another when scratching.

Fungal nail infections

Fungi can affect the nails, resulting in discoloured, crumbling and brittle nails.

Again, the fungus responsible for athlete's foot can cause fungal nail infections on the toenails, or spread to the fingernails by scratching affected areas.

It is especially important to check your feet if you have diabetes. People with diabetes are more prone to foot conditions, including fungal infections, gout, corns, calluses and bunions.

Get 3 packs of fluconazole

To prevent recurrent infections - and save money - we offer a pack of 3 fluconazole tablets. If you do experience recurrent bouts of thrush, it's important to speak to your doctor as there could be an underlying reason why you keep getting thrush.

To begin your order of fluconazole, fill in our online medical form and one of our doctors will determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.

If our doctor approves your order before 3pm on a weekday, one of our qualified pharmacists will dispense and dispatch thrush tablets to you via a next-day discreet delivery.

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How does fluconazole work?

Fluconazole acts directly upon the fungal cells to kill them.

Fungi and yeasts require ergosterol to survive, which they produce themselves. Fluconazole inhibits the organisms' ability to produce ergosterol.

As a result, the membrane of the fungal cells weaken and break apart. The contents of the cell spills out and the cell dies.

How long does fluconazole take to work?

How long fluconazole will take to work will depend on the locality and severity of the condition. For oral thrush, vaginal thrush and balanitis, your symptoms should improve after taking fluconazole for 7 days.

Other conditions, such as ringworm or fungal nail infections, may take longer.

Your doctor will prescribe fluconazole for as long as necessary to clear your fungal infection. It is important that you keep taking fluconazole for as long as prescribed.

Can fluconazole prevent fungal infections from recurring?

Yes, fluconazole can be used to prevent fungal infections from occurring. If you regularly experience bouts of fungal infections, speak to your doctor about using fluconazole to prevent further fungal infections.

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How do I take fluconazole?

Fluconazole is available as 150mg capsules.

You should swallow fluconazole capsules whole with a glass of water.

Fluconazole capsules can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush or chew fluconazole capsules.

Your doctor will tell you how to take fluconazole depending on the kind of infection you have.

How long do I need to take Fluconazole for?

The typical dose for genital thrush is a single 150mg fluconazole capsule as a one-off dose.

Other fungal infections may require a longer course of treatment. For instance, athlete's foot may require treatment for up to 6 weeks.

Our Pharmacist can review and suggest a suitable treatment plan for you.

Instructions on how to take fluconazole capsules can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

What should I do if I forget to take fluconazole when I should?

If you forget to take fluconazole when you should, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking fluconazole as your doctor has instructed

Do not take more fluconazole to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I take more fluconazole than I should?

If you or someone else takes more fluconazole than they should, go straight to your nearest accident and emergency department. Take the packaging and remaining medicine with you so that doctors know how much of the medicine was taken.

It is important to always take fluconazole as prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure how to take fluconazole, speak to your doctor.

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Fluconazole side effects and cautions

Before you start taking fluconazole, it's important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. The patient information leaflet contains important information on how to take, store and dispose of your medicine.

You can view the patient information leaflet online as a PDF - this can be useful if you lose the original patient information leaflet or need to print it off larger at home.

Who should not take fluconazole?

Fluconazole is not suitable for everyone. You should speak to your doctor before taking fluconazole to ensure it is safe for you to take.

Fluconazole may interact with some medications.

Before taking fluconazole, inform our prescriber of all the other medicine you take, including those prescribed to you or bought over the counter, including health and herbal supplements.

Do not take Fluconazole if you are taking:

• Astemizole
• Cisapride
• Ergotamine
• Methysergide
• Pimozide
• Quinidine
• Terfenadine

If you are unsure whether fluconazole will interfere with a medicine you are currently taking, ask your doctor or speak to a pharmacist before taking fluconazole.

Fluconazole side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody gets them. Being vigilant of potential side effects is important to your care. We strongly encourage you to read the patient information leaflet which comes enclosed with your medicine before taking your first dose.

Common fluconazole side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Increases in blood tests of liver function
• Nausea
• Rash
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of fluconazole, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Allergies

Do not take fluconazole if you are allergic to fluconazole or any of the other active ingredients listed in the leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before taking fluconazole.

Your doctor will be able to determine the safety of this medicine for you and your condition.

Other safety information

Always follow the instructions given to you by the Doctor or Pharmacist.

Do not stop taking fluconazole unless instructed to do so, even if the symptoms clear up or you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment too early can increase the risk of the infection returning.

Please inform our doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your GP, bought over the counter from pharmacies, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Fluconazole 150mg capsules contain lactose. If you are intolerant to some sugars, speak to your doctor for advice before taking fluconazole capsules.

Do not take fluconazole past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of them safely on your behalf.

Always keep medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

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Frequently asked questions

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Table of contents

What Is Fluconzole Used For?

How Does Fluconazole Work?

Fluconazole Side Effects and Cautions

Frequently Asked Questions