Diflucan-150

Brand Names: Diflucan-150

Common Name: fluconazole-150 (for vaginal candidiasis)

What is this drug used for?

Fluconazole 150 mg capsules are an antifungal medication used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections caused by the yeast known as Candida.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

This medication should not be taken by:

• anyone allergic to fluconazole or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• anyone taking the medication terfenadine when fluconazole is taken in doses greater than 400 mg daily
• anyone taking the medication cisapride

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication:

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• skin rash
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• fever and chills
• skin rash or itching
• dark or amber urine
• loss of appetite
• pale stools
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The following medications may affect the way that fluconazole works or increase the risk of side effects:

• cimetidine
• hydrochlorothiazide
• rifabutin
• rifampin

Fluconazole may affect how the following medications work or increase the risk of side effects:

alfentanil amitriptyline astemizole benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, midazolam) birth control pills buspirone carbamazepine cisapride cyclosporine diabetes medications imipramine losartan methylprednisolone nisoldipine nortriptyline

phenytoin prednisolone prednisone rifabutin tacrolimus terfenadine theophylline tolterodine triazolam vinblastine vincristine warfarin zidovudine zolpidem

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Allergies: Caution should be used by those taking fluconazole who are allergic to other "azoles" such as ketoconazole or itraconazole.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of this medication by pregnant women. Fluconazole should not be used by pregnant women unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Women who take fluconazole for vaginal yeast infections and who may become pregnant should consider using adequate birth control.

Breast-feeding: Fluconazole passes into breast milk. Its use by nursing mothers is not recommended.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of fluconazole 150 mg capsules have not been established for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Special Instructions:

The recommended dose of fluconazole varies with the condition being treated, the dosage form being used, and the age and circumstances of the person being treated. Vaginal candidiasis (yeast) infections are normally treated with a single 150 mg dose of fluconazole.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. Continue to take the full course of this medication even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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