Health Library

Fluconazole (By mouth)

Fluconazole (floo-KON-a-zole)

Prevents and treats fungal infections. Also used in children on life support called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Brand Name(s):

Diflucan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Oral liquid: Shake well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 14 days. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with erythromycin, pimozide, or quinidine.
• Some medicines can affect how fluconazole works. Tell your doctor of all medicines you are taking, including any of the following:
  • Abrocitinib, amiodarone, amphotericin B, azithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, ivacaftor, ivacaftor/tezacaftor/elexacaftor, lemborexant, lurasidone, midazolam, prednisone, rifabutin, rifampin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, tezacaftor/ivacaftor, theophylline, tofacitinib, tolvaptan, triazolam, vitamin A supplement, voriconazole
  • Birth control pills
  • Blood pressure medicine (including amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, losartan, nifedipine, verapamil)
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Cancer medicine (including cyclophosphamide, ibrutinib, olaparib, vinblastine, vincristine)
  • Diuretic (water pill, including hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including saquinavir, zidovudine)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Narcotic pain medicine (including alfentanil, fentanyl, methadone)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including celecoxib, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, naproxen)
  • Oral diabetes medicine (including glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide)
• Check with your doctor before starting any new medicines within 7 days of using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or hereditary problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Changes in heart rhythm, including QT prolongation
  • Adrenal gland problems
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Changes in skin color, dark freckles, cold feeling, weight loss
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024