Chemical Name: FLUCONAZOLE (floo-KOE-na-zole)
Diflucan is an azole antifungal used to treat or prevent certain fungal infections. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Diflucan. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking certain medicine for migraine headaches (such as eletriptan or almotriptan), astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, erythromycin, or pimozide. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking eplerenone, "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), certain medicines for anxiety or sleep (such as alprazolam, triazolam, or midazolam), certain medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine or phenytoin), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine or ergonovine), certain cholesterol medicine (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, or atorvastatin), immunosuppressant medicine (such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine), medicine for diabetes (such as repaglinide, glyburide, glipizide, or tolbutamide), narcotic pain medicine (such as codeine or methadone), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine), quinolone antibiotics (such as levofloxacin or gatifloxacin), certain blood pressure medicines (such as nifedipine or losartan), certain "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide), certain bladder medicine (such as darifenacin), certain medicine for your stomach (such as omeprazole or lansoprazole), amphotericin B, buspirone, birth control pills, celecoxib, cimetidine, imatinib, rifampin, rifabutin, sibutramine, theophylline or aminophylline, tretinoin, or zidovudine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of any heart problems, irregular heartbeat (such as QT prolongation), electrolyte problems, kidney or liver problems, cancer, HIV infection, diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT TAKE SELDANE (terfenadine), HISMANAL (astemizole), or cisapride while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES AND ARE TAKING MEDICINE TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL, this medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction if it occurs. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS CLOSELY and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU ARE TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, mild stomach upset or nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, taste changes, and dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of your hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; seizures; irregular heartbeat; unusual or severe stomach pain; yellowing of your eyes or skin; dark urine; sore throat; fever; or unusual tiredness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include hallucinations and changes in behavior.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.