Fluconazole and its effects on the body

Fluconazole is a chemotherapeutic agent from the group of triazole derivatives with antifungal activity. The medication is effective against many types of yeast, cryptococcal, and other pathogenic fungi. 

The action of Fluconazole

leads to inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, the most important component of the cell membrane of fungi. By destroying the wall, the drug leads to the death of the bacteria. Fluconazole pill is used in clinical practice to treat superficial candidiasis infections and esophageal candidiasis, for emergency therapy of disseminated candidiasis, systemic therapy of blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and dermatophytes fungal infections. Fluconazole is administered orally or intravenously as a single daily dose.

Fluconazole over the counter

The drug is available in the pharmacy with a doctor's prescription. If you order online from a Mexican pharmacy, a prescription is not required.

Fluconazole and alcohol

Alcohol, like fluconazole tablets, is metabolized in the liver, so drinking alcohol during fluconazole 100 mg treatment puts an extra burden on the liver. In addition, alcoholic beverages contain sugar, which reduces the effectiveness of antifungal therapy.

How long does fluconazole stay in your system?

Fluconazole pill is well absorbed so the concentration in plasma is 90 percent of that obtained after intravenous administration. The action of Fluconazole 100 mg does not change with food intake. The drug is characterized by high penetration into all body fluids. Fluconazole has a long elimination half-life (about 30 hours). In certain indications, it can be prescribed in a single dose.

When to take the second Fluconazole?

The doctor prescribes fluconazole in a dosage of 100 mg for candida vaginitis in women and genital candidiasis in men. The first tablet is taken immediately and the second on the fourth day of treatment.

How fast does fluconazole work?

Symptoms of infection should go away within 7 days after taking fluconazole 100 mg. In more severe cases, this period may be extended up to 2 weeks. However, if you do not notice any improvement after 7 days, you should see your doctor again. You may have to change your treatment.

Fluconazole for men

There are no differences in taking fluconazole for men. The drug is prescribed the same for both men and women. For genital candidiasis, men take one fluconazole capsule with a dosage of 100 mg. The same dosage may be taken once after sexual intercourse with a partner who already has candidiasis. 

Can you take fluconazole while pregnant?

Do not use any medicine during pregnancy without consulting your doctor!

It should not be used by pregnant women unless your doctor considers it absolutely necessary.

Fluconazole: drug interactions

1. Use of Fluconazole with Cisapride, Astemizole, Pimozide, Erythromycin, Terfenadine and in a dose greater or equal to 400 mg is contraindicated.

2. Fluconazole may affect the pharmacokinetics of other drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 isoenzymes. It may increase the effect of Alfentanil, Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline, Celecoxib, Fentanyl, Methadone, NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Flurbiprofen), Saquinavir, Rifabutin, Theophylline, and Zidovudine.

3. If fluconazole pill and warfarin are used, prothrombin time may be doubled due to inhibition of warfarin metabolism by CYP2C9 isoenzyme. Therefore, it is important to adjust the dose of warfarin with the attending physician.

4. When concomitant administration of fluconazole and corticosteroids, the presence of symptoms of adrenal insufficiency should be monitored after fluconazole is withdrawn.

The list of interactions between fluconazole and other drugs is huge, so read the instructions carefully before starting treatment.