Fluconazole Omega

Brand Name:Apo-Fluconazole, Diflucan, Diflucan-150, Fluconazole Injection, Gen-Fluconazole, Novo-Fluconazole, Taro-Fluconazole

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Fluconazole belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals. It is most commonly used to treat infections caused by fungus/yeast. It can be used to treat infections of the esophagus, lungs, blood, brain (meningitis), vagina (yeast infections), bladder, kidney, and skin. It can also be used to prevent infection for some people who are at risk due to medications or other diseases. It works by slowing the growth of the fungi that cause the infection.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to it or any other antifungal drug. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:
  • AIDS
  • cancer
  • irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm problems
  • kidney or liver problems

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects of this medication are:
  • diarrhea
  • gas and bloating
  • headache
  • nausea
  • stomach pain
  • vomiting

These side effects are usually related to dose or other factors.

Less common and some severe side effects include:

  • feeling dizzy
  • hair loss
  • seizures - rare
  • liver problems – rare; contact your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • changes to your heart rhythm - this is a very rare side effect and is usually a concern in people with heart rhythm problems and/or with the use of some medications
  • A condition called thrombocytopenia or leukopenia - very rare and unsure if directly related to the drug - contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, unexplained sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • medications for diabetes including gliclazide, glyburide, glibenclimide or other sulfonylureas - may increase the chances of low blood sugar.
  • rifampin - may decrease the amount of fluconazole in the blood and decrease how well it can work
  • warfarin: may increase the amount of warfarin in the blood and increase the chances for side effects, especially bleeding.
  • phenytoin, cyclosporine, theophylline, zidovudine, atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, cyclosporine, amlodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, diazepam, alprazolam, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir - may increase the amount of these drugs in the blood and increase chances for side effects
  • amiodarone, astemizole, quinidine, erythromycin, clarithromycin, other anti-psychotics (e.g.risperidone, haloperidol), sotalol, procainamide, propafenone - may increase your chances of having heart rhythm side effects

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Children: Reduced dose necessary.

Seniors: Lower doses may be necessary depending on the function of the kidney. Talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy: Generally not recommended unless the benefits of the drug outweigh any possible harm. Talk to your doctor

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Generally considered safe. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this drug has on them personally. No known problems.

Overdose: if you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Even if you feel better, continue to take the prescribed medication until it is all gone. Otherwise, the infection may recur.

If you miss a dose: Take your scheduled dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within six hours, take the missed dose but skip the next regularly scheduled dose. If you are unsure of what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

The liquid form of this medicine is good at room temperature or refrigerator. It should not be put in the freezer. Throw away after 14 days.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Dietary Precautions: None