WHAT IS Diflucan/Fluconazole?

• Diflucan/Fluconazole is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat fungal infections.
• Diflucan/Fluconazole is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; vaginal yeast infections; fungal urinary tract infections; pneumonia caused by yeast; and fungal infections throughout the whole body and in the blood. Diflucan/Fluconazole is also used to prevent fungal infections from occurring in people with suppressed immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy patients, organ transplant patients, and AIDS patients.
• Diflucan/Fluconazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH ?

• paricalcitol
• rifabutin
• medicines for yeast or fungal infections
• Sandimmune/cyclosporine
• doxercalciferol
• Pletal/cilostazol
• terfenadine
• medicines for high cholesterol such as Lipitor/atorvastatin, fluvastatin, Mevacor/lovastatin, or Zocor/simvastatin
• Coumadin/warfarin
• certain medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• dofetilide
• medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
• Prograf/tacrolimus
• water pills
• pimozide
• rifampin
• bosentan
• Dilantin er/phenytoin
• ramelteon
• cisapride

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of a Diflucan/fluconazole overdose include confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, decreased movement, decreased breathing, tearing eyes, drooling, urinary incontinence, seizures, and death.
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING Diflucan/Fluconazole?

• Do not take Diflucan/fluconazole if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), Diflucan/fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
• Diflucan/Fluconazole passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. For this reason, Diflucan/fluconazole should not be taken by nursing mothers. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Diflucan/Fluconazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Diflucan/fluconazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Before taking Diflucan/fluconazole, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially kidney disease, or if you take other medicines. You may not be able to take Diflucan/fluconazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Diflucan/Fluconazole?

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• In multiple-dose therapy, a double dose of Diflucan/fluconazole is often taken on the first day of treatment to quickly get the proper amount of medicine into the body. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Take Diflucan/fluconazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• A single dose of this medication is often used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
• Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension using a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after 14 days.
• It is important to take Diflucan/fluconazole regularly to get the most benefit.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Diflucan/Fluconazole?

• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, continue taking Diflucan/fluconazole and talk to your doctor:
  • dizziness;
  • diarrhea;
  • nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
  • headache;
  • fatigue; or
  • itching.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Diflucan/fluconazole and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • a rash.
  • liver damage (pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or dark urine); or
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Diflucan/Fluconazole?

• Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Diflucan/Fluconazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
• Avoid alcohol or use it in moderation while taking Diflucan/fluconazole. Alcohol and Diflucan/fluconazole can both affect the liver.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.