FLUCONAZOLE

Brand & Generic Names

Difulcan

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antifungal

Uses

• Treats meningitis.
• Treats candidiasis (thrush) whether in the mouth or esophagus or widely disseminated throughout the body.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablets--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food. Instructions to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

When to take:
Once a day, probably for 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the disease being treated and your kidney function status.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Changes the cell membranes of susceptible fungus germs.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours. Several weeks of treatment are necessary for full benefit.

Don't take with:
Other antifungal drugs in the azole family (ketoconazole, miconazole or itraconazole).

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Overdose not expected to threaten life, but if accidental or purposeful overdose occurs, follow the directions below.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose Section.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Rare:

Skin rash, blistering, peeling skin.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to similar drugs, such as ketoconazole, miconazole or itraconazole.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have liver disease.

Over age 60:
No studies available, but dosage may need adjustment if there is any age-related kidney impairment.

Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Prolonged use:
No special problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• May affect results of some medical tests.
• Does not alter male hormone activity. (A similar drug, ketoconazole, does alter male hormone activity.)

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antidiabetics*	Greater than expected drop in blood
	sugar. If any antidiabetic agent is
	taken with fluconazole, blood
	sugars must be monitored carefully.
Cyclosporine	Increased cyclosporine effect.
Phenytoin	Increased phenytoin effect.
Rifampin	Decreased fluconazole effect.
Warfarin	Increased warfarin effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.