Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that is used to treat vaginal candidiasis, and yeast infection of the lungs, esophagus, throat, mouth, blood, abdomen and other organs of the body. This is the preferred option to eradicate infections that affect the membranes of the spine and brain which are normally associated with meningitis.  This is most commonly prescribed by medical health professionals to women who are experiencing recurring vaginal yeast infections. This medicine comes in both tablet and liquid form which can be taken daily. The treatment usually takes weeks and in some cases it takes longer time, depending on the patient’s overall response to the treatment.

What are the other uses of Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections that affect the other parts of the body. It is important to a patient to listen carefully to the doctor’s instruction during the treatment. This medication should be completed to help improve your over all medical conditions. This is also used in treating fungal infections in the skin, nails, eyes and prostate. Fluconazole is also used in treating vaginal, oral, and esophagus conditions. It is also an effective treatment for peritonitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and disseminated fungal infections caused by Candida. This is a good medication to treat cryptococcal meningitis, and a good prevention of Candida infections for patients who have undergone a chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow transplantation.

Dosage for adults is 50-400 mg daily depending on the type of infection. The symptoms for oral Candida may subside within 2 weeks; however, esophageal Candida infections should be treated 2-3 weeks more. Cryptococcal meningitis should be treated for 10-12 weeks after the cerebrospinal fluid cultures become negative.

If you are taking the liquid solution for Fluconazole, shake the bottle well before each dose. Using a measuring spoon or device, carefully measure the dosages. Don’t use the household spoon because you cannot measure the correct dose with it. The dosages are based on the patient’s response to the medication. Generally for children, the dosage should not be more than 600 milligrams daily base on the doctor’s prescriptions. This treatment will work well if the amount of medicine in your body is in constant level. Therefore it is necessary to take this at the same time each day as directed.

What are the possible side effects of Fluconazole?

If anyone of the following side effects persists or causes trouble for you, consult your doctor.

• Changes in taste
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Mild stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Seek immediate medical attention if anyone of the following severe side effects will occur.

• Severe allergic reactions – itching, rash, hives
• Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Unusual hoarseness, wheezing
• Burning, numbness or tingling
• Dark urine
• Fever, chills or persistent sore throat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain, weakness or cramping
• Pale stools
• Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Swelling of the hands
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Unusual or severe stomach pain
• Unusual tiredness
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin

These may not be all the complete list of the side effects you may encounter. For more information talk to your doctor.