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Generic Name: Fluconazole
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Diflucan is the first in a group of antifungal medicines that also includes
Nizoral and Sporanox.
It is prescribed as a single-dose treatment for
vaginal yeast infections.
It is also used to treat thrush and has been
prescribed for cryptococcal meningitis in patients with HIV.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects that have been reported with
Diflucan include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and stomach pain.
Liver enzymes occasionally become elevated and should be
monitored.
Other side effects may include headache, dizziness upon
standing up suddenly, rash, and changes in taste.
Serious allergic
reactions including trouble breathing and shock (anaphylaxis) have occurred
rarely. Report any symptoms to the physician promptly.
Although Diflucan
works by inhibiting CYP 450 enzymes in fungus, CYP 450 enzymes in mammals,
including humans, seem less affected.
An interaction study found that
Diflucan has no effect on blood levels of Seldane.
Diflucan does,
however, interact with certain other medications: Coumadin,
oral blood-sugar-lowering medicines such as DiaBeta,
throphylline,
and the transplant drugs cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Such combinations should
be avoided whenever possible. Careful monitoring is required if both drugs are
needed.
Women on birth control pills were given Diflucan in studies.
Although most women had higher blood levels of the components of The Pill, some
had decreases up to 47 percent of ethinyl estradiol and 33 percent of
levonorgestrel. It is not known whether this could compromise contraceptive
efficacy.
Diflucan interacts with AZT (zidovudine), Dilantin,
hydrochlorothiazide and rifampin.
Check with your physician and
pharmacist to make sure this medicine is safe in combination with any other drug
you may take.
Special Precautions
In rare cases, Diflucan has caused liver damage. Liver function should be monitored.
Patients who develop rashes while taking Diflucan must be followed closely, since some cases of life-threatening skin reactions began as rashes.
Taking the Medicine
Follow the instructions your doctor gives you.
Tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 86. Oral suspension is stored between 41 and 86 degrees. Do not freeze.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000