Why is Diflucan prescribed?

Diflucan is used to treat pneumonia, meningitis, and fungal infections of the mouth, throat, liver, kidneys, heart, urinary tract, and abdomen. It also has been used to treat vaginal infections and oral thrush in certain patients. Fluconazole is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Diflucan be used?

Diflucan comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Diflucan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Continue to take Diflucan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Fluconazole without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking diflucan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Diflucan or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), antiviral agents such as zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT), astemizole (Hismanal), asthma medication, cisapride (Propulsid), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), didanosine (DDI), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), medications for stomach problems such as cimetidine (Tagamet), oral contraceptives, oral medicine for diabetes, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), tacrolimus (Prograf), terfenadine (Seldane), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Diflucan, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Diflucan cause?

Although side effects from Fluconazole are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• loss of appetite
• altered taste
• diarrhea or loose stools
• headache
• dizziness
• fatigue

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• itching
• vomiting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• pale stools

What storage conditions are needed for Diflucan?

Keep Fluconazole in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Throw away any unused liquid medication after 14 days. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Diflucan. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish Diflucan, call your doctor.