Fluconazole
Uses of Fluconazole
Fluconazole is commonly used in the treatment of fungal Infections, and severe fungal infections.
How Fluconazole Works
Fluconazole reduces the synthesis of ergosterol by interrupting cytochrome P450 activity and thus, inhibiting the formation of cell membrane caused by susceptible fungi.
Side Effects of Fluconazole
Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Flatulence, Headache, Dizziness, Leucopenia, Alopecia, Hypokalemia
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Fluconazole should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. It is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug, therefore, a single dose therapy does not require dose modification.
Alcohol Safe
It is safe to consume alcohol while taking Fluconazole. There is no known interaction between alcohol and Fluconazole however, it is advisable to always drink in moderation.
Pregnancy Not Safe
There is evidence of risks to human fetus based on studies done though potential benefits may allow the usage of Fluconazole in pregnancy. Some of the congenital abnormalities reported are brachycephaly, ear dysplasia, giant anterior fontanelle, femoral bowing and radio-humeral synostosis. Some data has shown that there is no increased risk of unwanted harmful effects to the fetus of mothers treated with single or repeated standard doses during the first trimester.
Driving Generally Safe
There are no studies of Fluconazole on the effect of ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Liver Safe If Prescribed
Fluconazole should be used with caution in patients with liver dysfunction. There are rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity related to Fluconazole occurring mainly in patients with serious underlying medical conditions. However, no obvious relationship to total daily dose, duration of usage, sex or age of patient have been reported. Fluconazole-associated hepatotoxicity is usually reversible following discontinuation of therapy. If patients develop an abnormal liver function test while on treatment, it is important to monitor such patients closely for more serious liver injury.
Lactation Safe If Prescribed
It is safe to use Fluconazole while breastfeeding. This is because it is only found in human breast milk at lower concentrations than in plasma. However, breastfeeding should be discontinued after repeated doses or high dose of Fluconazole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
