Fluconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
It works by stopping the growth of common types of vaginal yeast (fungus).
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called azole
antifungals.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking fluconazole and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually as a single dose at any time of the
day.
In Canada, some brands of this medication are available
without a prescription. Before taking over-the-counter fluconazole, read
the product instructions and talk to your doctor if this is your first
vaginal yeast infection, if this is your second infection within 2 months,
or if you are considering treatment for a girl under 12 years
old.
The effect of this medication continues for several
days. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after a few
days or if it gets worse. If you think you may have a serious medical
problem, get medical help right away.
Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this product,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have
serious side effects.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
This drug may rarely cause serious liver disease. Get
medical help right away if you develop any signs of liver disease,
including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
- unusual tiredness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal drugs
(such as ketoconazole, itraconazole); or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Fluconazole may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using fluconazole safely.
Although uncommon, this drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol
or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby if taken during the first 3
months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and
ask if you should use a medication applied in or around the vagina
instead.
Fluconazole passes into breast milk but is unlikely to
harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Products that may interact with this drug
include:
Many drugs besides fluconazole may affect the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation), including pimozide, quinidine, macrolide
antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others.
Fluconazole can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which can affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include abrocitinib, asunaprevir, domperidone, flibanserin,
lemborexant, lomitapide, macitentan, mavacamten, nirogacestat, among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
hallucinations, mental/mood changes.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.