Diflucan (fluconazole)

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How does it work?

Diflucan capsules, suspension and infusion all contain the active ingredient fluconazole, which is a type of medicine called a triazole antifungal. (NB. Fluconazole is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Fluconazole is used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.

Fluconazole kills the fungi that are causing an infection by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As fluconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Fluconazole is used to treat a number of different types of fungal and yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida or Cryptococcus species of fungi.

It can be taken by mouth or may be administered via a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) depending on the type and severity of the infection. The length of treatment will also depend on the type and severity of the infection, for example vaginal thrush can normally treated with a single dose by mouth, while some other infections may require six to eight weeks of treatment.

What is it used for?

- Fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, pityriasis versicolor, or Candida skin infections.
- Candida infections of the linings (mucosa) of the mouth, throat, lungs or urinary tract.
- Internal fungal infections caused by Candida, eg infections of the bloodstream, urinary tract, heart, lungs, abdomen or other widespread internal infections (systemic candidiasis).
- Inflammation of the vagina caused by infection with Candida albicans (also known as vaginal thrush).
- Inflammation of the penis and/or foreskin caused by infection with Candida albicans (also known as thrush).
- Fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus fungi (cryptococcosis), including cryptococcal meningitis and infections affecting the lungs or skin.
- Preventing relapse of disease caused by Cryptococcus fungi, eg cryptococcal meningitis, in people with AIDS.
- Preventing fungal infections in people with a weakened immune system and low white blood cell counts, for example due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or bone marrow transplants.

Warning!

- Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antifungal medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up.

Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the fungi will grow resistant to the antifungal.
- This medicine can sometimes cause liver problems. If you are taking high doses or long courses of this medicine your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function. Consult your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms while taking this medicine, as these could be signs of a liver problem.
- This medicine may rarely cause allergic skin reactions. Consult your doctor if you develop a rash, blistering or peeling of the skin while taking this medicine. People with AIDS are likely to be prone to skin reactions to many medicines, including this one.

Use with caution in

.

- Decreased kidney function
- Liver disorders
- Heart disease, particularly heart rate or rhythm disturbances
- People with an abnormal heart beat seen as a 'prolonged QT interval' on a heart monitoring trace (ECG)
- Low levels of calcium, magnesium or potassium in the blood.

Not to be used in

- Allergy to azole antifungal medicines, eg itraconazole, ketoconazole
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Women who need treatment with this medicine should not breastfeed during treatment. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

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