Getting The Most From Your Treatment
- Remember to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. If you are taking a course of fluconazole, you may need to have a blood test to check that it is not affecting your liver if you are taking it for more than one month.
- If your symptoms do not improve despite taking fluconazole, speak again with your pharmacist or doctor so that your infection can be investigated further.
- If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with fluconazole.
Dosage For Nonvaginal Candidiasis
Adult dosage
- Typical dosage: Depending on the type of infection you have, your daily dose could be between 50 mg and 400 mg.
- Treatment length: Treatment can last up to several weeks.
Child dosage
- Typical dosage: Dosage depends on the weight of the child taking the drug, and the type of infection being treated.
- Treatment length: The length of treatment depends on the infection being treated.
Child dosage
Use of this drug isnt recommended in infants younger than 6 months.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- signs of liver problems
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
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What Are Side Effects Associated With Using Fluconazole
Side effects associated with use of Fluconazole, include the following:
Other side effects of fluconazole include:
- QT prolongation
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Yellowing skin and eyes
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
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Which Yeast Infection Medicine Is Better: Monistat Or Diflucan
While it can be tempting to go to the pharmacy and pick up an OTC yeast infection medicine right away, this may not be the best idea. Yeast infection symptoms can be similar to urinary tract infection symptoms for some people, and yeast infection medicine wont treat a UTI. Its best to contact your healthcare provider before treating symptoms on your own.
Depending on your medical and medication history, your healthcare provider may ask you which yeast infection medicine you would prefer to use, since fluconazole and Monistat work similarly well. If your provider allows you to choose between these options, you should consider what youre more comfortable using.
Here are some questions to consider with your healthcare provider so you can decide which yeast infection medicine is best for you:
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Are you able to use or comfortable using a vaginal applicator? If this is an issue, Monistat and other creams or suppositories may be more difficult for you to use.
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Do you tend to be sensitive to stomach side effects when taking oral pills? These types of side effects are more common when taking fluconazole . Weve included more information on side effects below.
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How severe are your symptoms? Your healthcare providers recommendation may be different depending on how youre feeling.
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How often do you experience yeast infections? Your provider may suggest using a different yeast infection medicine than last time, especially if your last infection wasnt too long ago.
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There Are Dozens Of Treatments For Vaginal Yeast Infections Which One Is Right For You
Yeast infections are caused by the Candida genus of yeasts , most often Candida albicans.
Research shows that C. albicans colonizes the vaginas of about 20 percent of women and 30 percent of pregnant women.
Though this colonization doesnt cause symptoms, symptomatic yeast infections can develop when the balance of microbial communities within the body gets thrown off by things like medication , hormonal changes, and the overuse of feminine hygiene products.
There are numerous drugs that can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
They can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription, and take the form of an antifungal cream, ointment, suppository, or medicated tampon. An oral tablet is also available.
Its important to get diagnosed by your doctor before trying OTC drugs especially if youve never had a yeast infection before because the symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other types of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis .
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to fluconazole.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish taking the fluconazole, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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Are There Any Side Effects Or Safety Concerns For Yeast Infection Treatments
Most pills and topical creams come with their fair share of side effects, though theyre not super common. Some side effects include:
- flaking of the skin
If youre pregnant, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment since some OTC antifungal creams may cause birth defects.
If you notice any side effects, stop taking the OTC treatment and see a doctor.
Warnings For Other Groups
Pregnant women: Research in humans has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes this drug in doses of 150 mg or higher. In lower doses, research in animals has shown adverse effects. There havent been enough studies done to be certain how lower doses of the drug might affect the human fetus.
This drug should only be used during pregnancy in serious cases where its needed to treat a dangerous infection in the mother. And it should only be used if the potential risk to the fetus is acceptable given the drugs potential benefit.
Talk with your doctor if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Ask your doctor to tell you about the specific harm that may be done to the fetus.
If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
Women who are breastfeeding: Fluconazole passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this drug.
For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
For children: This medication shouldnt be used in people younger than 6 months.
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
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Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
General: If this is your first yeast infection, if you have frequent yeast infections or heart disease, if you have another yeast infection within 2 months after taking this medication, or if you have multiple sexual partners or change partners often, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. This medication should only be taken as a single dose.
The following symptoms are not caused by a yeast infection. Contact your doctor for treatment advice, if you experience them:
- discharge with a foul odour
- fever or chills
- lower back or shoulder pain
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- painful urination
If your symptoms have not improved in 3 days or disappeared in 7 days, contact your doctor.
Grapefruit juice: Taking fluconazole at the same time as drinking grapefruit juice may cause fluconazole to build up in the body and cause side effects. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice if you are taking this medication.
Intercourse and birth control: Vaginal intercourse should be avoided when women have a yeast infection. This will help reduce the risk of infecting your sexual partner.
Are Yeast Infections Contagious
Yeast infections arent considered to be sexually transmitted infections , but they can be passed to a partner if you have sex without a barrier method.
Its also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a yeast infection. However, you wont catch a yeast infection from sharing a shower or exchanging saliva with someone.
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Other Uses For This Medicine
Fluconazole is also sometimes used to treat serious fungal infections that begin in the lungs and can spread through the body and fungal infections of the eye, skin and nails. Fluconazole is also sometimes used to prevent fungal infections in people who are likely to become infected because they have human immunodeficiency virus or cancer or have had a transplant operation . Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Dosage For Cryptococcal Meningitis
Adult dosage
- Typical dosage: 400 mg on the first day. The dose from day 2 on is usually 200400 mg, taken once per day.
- Treatment length: Treatment typically lasts 1012 weeks after a test called a cerebrospinal fluid culture no longer detects fungi.
Child dosage
Dosage for children is based on weight.
- Typical dosage: On the first day, your child will take 12 mg per kilogram of body weight. The dose from day 2 on is usually 612 mg per kilogram, taken once per day.
- Treatment length: Treatment typically lasts 1012 weeks after a test called a cerebrospinal fluid culture no longer detects fungi.
Child dosage
Use of this drug isnt recommended in infants younger than 6 months.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
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When To Contact A Doctor
A person should contact a doctor if they suspect that they have a yeast infection. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor can properly diagnose and treat a yeast infection.
If a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment, the person should seek further medical advice. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.
How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Fluconazole Tablets
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
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How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Keep taking this medicine as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
When Should I See A Doctor
If youve never had a yeast infection, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before you try any OTC treatments.
You should also talk with a doctor if you dont notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. In this case, you may need a prescription-strength treatment, or you could have a different infection.
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Bacterial Vaginosis In Pregnancy
Bacterial vaginosis has been shown to be a risk factor for premature labor and perinatal infection.17 Although evidence supports treatment of high-risk pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis5 ,7 the benefits of treating asymptomatic, low-risk pregnant women is less clear.1820
A Cochrane review21 concluded that no evidence supports screening all pregnant women for bacterial vaginosis. Guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists22 and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality23 do not recommend screening in low-risk patients . However, family physicians should be aware that one recent study24 demonstrated a significant reduction in spontaneous preterm birth and late miscarriage after treatment with oral clindamycin, 300 mg twice daily for five days, in women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis who were at 12 to 20 weeks of gestation. Therefore, the current recommendations against screening and treating asymptomatic pregnant women may be reevaluated.
Because of concerns about teratogenicity, many physicians hesitate to use oral metronidazole in women who are in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, one meta-analysis25 showed no increased risk of birth defect in infants exposed to metronidazole in utero. Vaginal clindamycin does not reduce the risk of preterm birth or peripartum infection.19 In fact, the CDC10 advises that topical clindamycin cream may increase the risk of prematurity and neonatal infections.
Dose Regime For Oral Fluconazole
For vulvovaginal candidiasis, a single oral dose of fluconazole 150 mg is usually effective. It can be repeated.
For dermatophyte infections and pityriasis versicolor, either 50 mg daily or 150 mg once weekly is taken for two to six weeks.
Once-weekly fluconazole is often used off-label to treat toenail fungal infections .
Larger doses are required for systemic infections.
Fluconazole is not normally used in children but doses of 5 mg/kg/day have been safely prescribed for a serious infection.
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Dosage For Candidiasis Prevention
Adult dosage
- Typical dosage: 400 mg, taken once per day.
- Treatment length: Treatment can last several weeks.
Child dosage
Use of this drug for the prevention of candidiasis in people younger than 18 years hasnt been approved.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a very bad upset stomach or throwing up, very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, not hungry, or weight loss.
- A type of abnormal heartbeat has happened with this medicine . Sometimes, this has led to another type of unsafe abnormal heartbeat . Call your doctor right away if you have a fast or abnormal heartbeat, or if you pass out.
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