Drug name:
Diflucan
Why is diflucan prescribed?
If
you have a yeast infection, Diflucan® is an oral
antifungal agent that may be an easier way to
treat it than a messy cream. A recent survey of
179 women showed that 9 out of
10 women preferred Diflucan® to a
vaginally inserted cream. |
 |
How to use Diflucan
Diflucan works best when the amount of medicine in
your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking
Diflucan at evenly spaced intervals. Take as
directed since different conditions require different
methods of use. Diflucan is usually taken once daily.
Another dosing method involves taking Diflucan for one
week per month until treatment is completed. Continue to
take Diflucan until the full prescribed amount is
finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping Diflucan too early may allow the yeast to
continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the
infection.
Side effects of Diflucan
Diflucan may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite,
altered taste, diarrhea, nausea, headache or dizziness
during the first few days as your body adjusts to the
medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe,
inform your doctor. In the unlikely event you have an
allergic reaction to Diflucan, seek immediate medical
attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
Diflucan Precautions
Tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of: liver
disease, kidney disease, any drug allergies. Diflucan should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. Fluconazole is excreted into breast milk.
The manufacturer of Diflucan recommends it not be used
while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before you
breast-feed.
Drug interactions
Tell
your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of:
astemizole, cisapride, cimetidine, oral contraceptives,
cyclosporine, oral antidiabetic drugs,
hydrochlorothiazide, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin,
certain benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, triazolam),
tacrolimus, terfenadine, theophylline, warfarin,
zidovudine. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
Diflucan Overdose
If Diflucan overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include hallucinations and changes in behavior.
Notes
Diflucan
has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do
not use it later for another infection or give it to
someone else. A different medicine may be needed.
Diflucan Missed dose
If you miss
Diflucan dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost
time for the next dose, take the scheduled dose only. Do
not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Diflucan Storage
Store Diflucan at room
temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not
store in the bathroom.