Information About Diflucan
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is
intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
FLUCONAZOLE - ORAL (flew-CON-uh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Diflucan
USES: This medication is an antifungal agent used to treat infections
in certain areas of the body caused by yeast and yeast-like organisms.
HOW TO USE: This medication works best when the amount of medicine
in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the
medication at evenly spaced intervals. Take as directed since
different conditions require different methods of use. This drug
is usually taken once daily. Another dosing method involves taking
the drug for one week per month until treatment is completed.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount
is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping
the medication too early may allow the yeast to continue to grow
resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of
appetite, altered taste, diarrhea, nausea, headache or dizziness
during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug,
seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: liver disease, kidney disease, any drug allergies. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fluconazole is excreted
into breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug recommends it
not be used while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before you
breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription
and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: astemizole,
cisapride, cimetidine, oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, oral
antidiabetic drugs, hydrochlorothiazide, phenytoin, rifampin,
rifabutin, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, triazolam),
tacrolimus, terfenadine, theophylline, warfarin, zidovudine. Do
not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include hallucinations and changes in behavior.
NOTES: This medication has been prescribed for your current condition
only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to
someone else. A different medicine may be needed.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered.
If it is almost time for the next dose, take the scheduled dose
only. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
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