Fluconazole oral tablets are available as both a generic and a brand name drug, the brand name being: Diflucan. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand name version. Fluconazole comes as a tablet or it can also be taken as suspension via the mouth. It may come in an injectable form that can only be provided by a healthcare provider. According to sources fluconazole was discovered or brought into use by Pfizer in 1981 in the United Kingdom and commercially came into use in the year 1988 but for some reason, it was later on withdrawn from the market.
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Uses Of Fluconazole Tablets
Fluconazole oral tablets are used mainly to treat and prevent candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by a fungus called Candida. Along with this, it is also used to treat meningitis (infection of the brain or spinal cord or both). This medicine works by killing the fungus or yeast or preventing its growth. It blocks the ability of fungi Candida and Cryptococcus from reproducing and helps the individual to get rid of the infection or prevent the infection from being acquired. The medicine is available only with the doctor’s certified prescription. Its Canadian brand name is CanesOral. The medicine belongs to a class of drugs called triazole antifungals. A class of drugs means the group of medications that are used to treat similar conditions and is slightly different from the azole antifungals.
Fluconazole 150Mg Tablets is used to treat fungal infections including yeast infection of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus, abdomen, lungs, blood, and other organs. It is also used to prevent yeast infections in patients who are likely to become infected because they are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy before a bone marrow transplant (replacement of unhealthy spongy tissue inside the bones with healthy tissue).
Consumption Of Fluconazole Tablets
Before taking the fluconazole tablet, one should go through the patent information leaflet. If one still encounters any further question he/she may consult the doctor or pharmacist. One’s dosage, drug form and how often one takes the drug depends on:
- One’s age
- The condition being treated
- How severe the condition is
- Any other medical condition one is going through
- How one’s body reacts to the first dose
One should be careful with the product instructions and talk to the doctor if this is one’s first vaginal yeast infection, if this is a second infection within 2 months, or if one is considering treatment for a girl under 12 years old. Take this medication by mouth usually as a single dose, with or without food at any time of the day or as prescribed by one’s doctor. However, the effect of this medication lasts for several days. If one notices and feels that one’s condition is not improving or worsening one shall immediately sort for medical help. One should take fluconazole as directed and prescribed by the doctor. The medicine brings out the best results when its amount is kept at constant levels in the body. The doctor may also direct the individual to take a double dose of fluconazole on the first day of the treatment to look out for the requirement or effects in the individual concerned. Hence some important steps shall be followed when dealing with this medicine which includes:
- Shake the liquid well before each use
- One should carefully measure the dose being consumed by a proper measuring instrument such as a cap or spoon
Some Of The Dosage Recommendations Include
The dosage of the medication, however, varies across various age groups and conditions subjected to. Subsequently, the treatment length may also vary.
The dosage for vaginal candidiasis:
- Adult dosage: it generally includes the age group of 18 to 64 yrs
- Typical dosage: a one 150 mg tablet dose is sufficient under normal circumstances
- Child dosage: it generally includes the age group of 0 yrs to 17 yrs. These drugs for some reason have not been approved in children younger than 18 yrs
- Senior dosage: this ranges from age 65 yrs and older. The kidney of older people may not work efficiently as it may be for other age groups. This leads their body to accept the drugs more slowly in the immune system. They may be thus prone to the quick inheritance of the resulting side effects.
The dosage for non-vaginal candidiasis:
- Adult dosage: it generally ranges from the age of 18 yrs to 64 yrs. Depending on the age and type of infection the dose may vary from 50 mg and 400 mg and the treatment length can last up to several weeks.
- Child dosage: this generally includes the age group of 6 months to 17 yrs. Depending on the weight and age of the child entitled to take the drug and the type of infection, the dose may vary. The treatment length also depends on the infection being treated. The use of this drug is not recommended for children younger than 6 months.
- Senior dosage: this generally includes the age limits varying from 65 yrs and older. The problems and ineffectiveness related to the working of the kidney and other organs may lead to increase side effects from this medication.
The dosage for candidiasis prevention:
- Adult dosage: this includes the age group of 18 yrs to 64 yrs. The typical dosage is taken to be 400 mg per day and the treatment length lasting over several weeks.
- Child dosage: the age varies from 0 yrs to 17 yrs.
- Senior dosage: the senior age group includes age limits from 65 yrs and older. The problems and ineffectiveness related to the working of the kidney and other organs may lead to increase side effects from this medication.
The dosage for cryptococcal meningitis:
- Adult dosage: the age limit varies from 18 yrs to 64 yrs. The standard dosage is considered to be 400 mg on the initial day and then it varies from 200 mg to 400 mg on a daily basis. The treatment length typically lasts for 10- 12 weeks after a test conducted by the doctor called the cerebrospinal fluid culture no longer detects any bacteria.
- Child dosage: this includes the age group of 6 months through 17 years and the dosage is subjected to changes in weight of the child under treatment. The normal dosage includes 12 mg per kg on the first day and then ranging from 6 to 12 mg subsequently. The treatment length typically lasts for 10- 12 weeks after a test conducted by the doctor called the cerebrospinal fluid culture no longer detects any bacteria. The medication is not recommended for children younger than 6 months.
- Senior dosage: the senior age group includes age limits from 65 yrs and older. The problems and ineffectiveness related to the working of the kidney and other organs may lead to increase side effects from this medication.
Important warnings associated with fluconazole tablets
Liver failure warning: This drug if not taken properly and as prescribed may lead to liver failure. The doctor may conduct various tests to see if this drug is hampering the liver of the patient and if so happens the patient is advised to stop its consumption and the situation is generally brought back to normal. Some of its symptoms may include:
- Yellowing of one’s skin or the whites of your eyes
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
- Severe skin itching
- Vomiting or nausea
Skin rashes warnings: This drug can cause severe rashes on skin which may lead to the death of the individual. Hence one is advised to immediately stop its consumption if they start developing rashes. Common with people having AIDs or cancer. Some of its symptoms may include:
- Skin peeling
- Severe rash
Irregular heart rhythm warning: Consumption of this medicine may lead to changes in heartbeat This may lead to the development of a heart condition called torsades de pointes. One has a higher risk of developing this condition and worsening it through the medication if one was born with a certain heart rhythm condition, has a low potassium level, or takes certain antipsychotic drugs or certain depressants. Some of its symptoms include:
- Feeling like one’s heart is skipping a beat(palpitations)
- Fast irregular heart rate
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- seizures
Pregnancy-related warnings: During pregnancy, this medication must be used when clearly needed. A higher dosage of the medicine may lead to harming the unborn baby if taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One should also consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
Allergy warning: This drug may cause allergic The symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Chills
- The throbbing of heart or ears
- Swelling of eyelids, face, mouth, neck or any other body part
- Skin rash, hives, blisters, or skin peeling
Kidney related warning: people with kidney problems or a history of kidney disease should not consume this drug as it may make conditions worse.
People with high blood sugar levels: The oral suspension of this drug contains sucrose, common sugar and one should avoid it if one has sugar related issues.
People with lower immunity: People having a lower or weak immune system which is not capable of taking such strong medicine should refrain from doing so.
Hence before using the medication one should inform the doctor about their medical history as well as present problems if any.
Side Effects of Fluconazole Tablets
The common side effects associated with fluconazole depends on its consumption. These include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Changes in the way food tastes
- Severe rash in people with lowered immunity
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Reduced number of RBCs and platelets
- Dyspepsia
These side effects may be mild and may go away in a few weeks or days however if it doesn’t go and persists for an extended period one must positively consult one’s doctor and sort for immediate help.
The drug’s interaction with other medications
The drug’s interaction may depend on how one’s medication work or increase the risk of serious side effects. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. One should always keep a list of products one uses (including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with the doctor or pharmacist concerned.
Fluconazole oral tablets can interact with other medications as well and also with various other vitamins, herbs one may be taking. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working efficiently. To avoid this from happening one should consult the doctor and he should, in turn, manage the individual’s medications carefully. For this, the individual should provide all relevant details to the doctor regarding his present and past medications, vitamins, herbs consumption. Some examples of drugs that can cause interactions with fluconazole are presented below:
Terfenadine: When consumed with fluconazole at doses of 400 mg or higher, this drug can cause a life-threatening condition called torsades de pointes.
Pimozide, ranolazine, clarithromycin erythromycin, voriconazole, lomitapide, donepezil, and quinidine: When used with fluconazole, these drugs can cause also cause torsades de pointes.
These are certain drugs that should not be used simultaneously with fluconazole otherwise it will lead to dangerous effects in the body. Again there are also some drugs that increase the risk of side effects if consumed along with fluconazole. These are:
Diabetes drugs like glyburide and glipizide: Its increased side effects may lead to the low blood sugar level in the body. It comes along with symptoms like sweating and chills, shakiness, fast pulse, weakness, hunger, and dizziness.
Warfarin: its increased side effects may include bruising, nosebleeds, and blood in the urine or stools.
Phenytoin: this drug may lead to trouble with coordination, slurred speech, and confusion. One’s doctor may measure phenytoin levels in the blood and may decrease the dose as per requirement.
Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus: its side effects include damaging of kidneys and the doctor after identification of its levels may decrease its dosage as required.
Theophylline: Its side effects can lead to muscle cramps, headache, low blood pressure, and seizures and the doctor may alter its usage as it deems fit.
Zidovudine: Its increased side effects include headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Pain drugs such as Methadone and Fentanyl: its side effects include slowed breathing, confusion, and drowsiness.
Carbamazepine: Its increased usage may lead to nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, low blood cell counts, severe rash, heart failure, and liver failure.
Statins like atorvastatin and simvastatin: Its side effects include muscle pain and weakness and raised levels of creatinine in the blood.
Antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and ziprasidone: Their higher consumption may lead to torsades de pointes.
Antidepressants such as citalopram, escitalopram, and paroxetine: Their overconsumption may lead to torsades de pointes and the doctor may call for adequate steps to control its side effects.
Heart rhythm drugs such as amiodarone and dofetilide: Its higher dosage may also lead to torsades de points.
Precautions To Look Out For
Here are certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind while dealing with medicine. These include:
- A prescription for this medication is refillable and one should not look for a new prescription for this medication to get it refilled. One’s doctor may write the number of refills authorized on the prescription.
- One should always carry one’s medication while traveling and never put it into a checked bag. It shall be carried in the carry- on a bag or personal handbag.
- The X-ray machines in no way damage the medications
- One should always carry a prescription labeled box with oneself while traveling
- One should protect it from very hot and very cold weather conditions
- One must inform the doctor of any allergies or side effects from the medication as it contains inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- The individual should inform the doctor of his medical history
- This drug may cause dizziness in the individual and hence one should not indulge in activities that require alertness like driving, using machinery until one is sure that one can execute these activities safely
- Limit one’s alcoholic beverage consumptions
- Medical help must be immediately sorted for when one develops rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, etc
- This medication must not be shared with any other person at any circumstance.
- The medication has been prescribed to the individual based on his present condition and he should not consume it for other infections unless prescribed by the doctor to do so.
- One, if possible, may go for an occasional test to see if the drug is working properly or is in contrary affecting the normal functioning of the body and damaging other essential organs. This must be performed after consideration with one’s doctor or pharmacist
- One should inform the doctor if going for surgery including dental surgery
- One should also inform the doctor if she is pregnant especially if in the first three months of pregnancy
- To inform if one has/had AIDs or cancer.
Overdose of Fluconazole Tablets
If one takes the medication too much it may result in dangerous levels of the drug in the body which if persists for a long time may cause unwanted health complications. The symptoms of an overdose of the drugs include:
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Blue tint on the skin
- Decreased breathing
If overdose is suspected, one should immediately contact a poison control center or emergency room or 911 for quick help. If someone misses a dose one shall take it as soon as possible and if it’s time for the next scheduled dose one can skip the missed dose. In case of any other issues, one may immediately consult the doctor before going further.
Storage and Disposal
One should make sure to store this medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. It should not be stored in the bathroom and all the medications must be kept away from the children and pets. The medicine should be protected from children so that they do not get poisoned. Therefore one should always lock the safety caps and immediately put the medication in a safe location out of their reach.
The individual should make sure that fluconazole tablets are stored below 86 degrees Fahrenheit or 30-degree centigrade and in tightly closed containers (like those for eye drops, creams, patches, etc). This medication should not be stored in moist or damp areas such as bathrooms.
The individual should properly with all caution and safety, discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed and consult nearby pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to so. The disposal of the medicine must be in such a way so as to ensure that pets, children and other species cannot consume them. Hence the best way to dispose of the medicine is via a medicine take-back program.
Conclusion
One must begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with fluconazole 500 mg tablet and it may gradually cure the person of the desired disease/ailment. However, if this does not happen one should immediately consult the doctor even when slightest of side effects or other associated discomforts emerge. One should continue to take the tablets until and unless the doctor asks one to stop taking it even if one feels better.
Do not stop taking fluconazole without prior consultation with the doctor. If one stops taking the tablets too soon or abruptly the infection may come back after a short time. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses as well but one should not engage in that without prior consultation with the doctor.
Keeping the above things in mind, one should understand that this article tries to bring about the most important and accurate facts regarding the medication but should not be substituted for the doctor’s advice. Although this article tries to provide the most relevant and apt information on the medication, it is based on normal circumstances. The different individual reacts differently to different medications and hence one should always go for medical advice before taking any medicines. The matter related to dosage, side effects and others shall always be followed after the doctor’s prior consultation.
