Frequently asked questions for Fluconazole
Fluconazole
Q. What is Fluconazole used for?
Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine. It is used for the treatment of many fungal infections like Cryptococcal meningitis (fungal infection in the brain) and Coccidioidomycosis (a disease of the lungs). Additionally, it is helpful in the treatment of infections caused by Candida found in the bloodstream, body organs (e.g., heart, lungs) or urinary tract, mucosal thrush (infection affecting the lining of the mouth, throat, and denture sore mouth), and genital thrush (infection of the vagina or penis). It can also be used to treat skin infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, nail infection.Q. Can Fluconazole be taken with oral contraceptives (OCPs) or birth control pills?
Fluconazole has been reported to have a minor interaction when taken with estradiol (a component of oral contraceptives). It can increase the level or effect of estradiol when given along with it. Before starting the treatment with Fluconazole inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills.Q. Can Fluconazole cause hair loss?
Fluconazole may cause hair loss as a rare side effect. If during the treatment you experience hair loss, inform your doctor.Q. Is Fluconazole effective?
Yes, Fluconazole is effective when used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Fluconazole too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.Q. Is Fluconazole fungistatic or fungicidal?
Fluconazole is primarily fungistatic which means it controls the growth of fungus). However, it may also act as a fungicidal (kills fungus) medicine against certain organisms, specifically Cryptococcus in a dose-dependent manner, specifically Cryptococcus.Q. Does Fluconazole treat urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Fluconazole is used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI) caused mainly by Candida. However, bacteria growth can also cause UTI in some cases. If you are suffering from UTI, please consult your doctor as the cause of infection (fungal or bacterial, or other) needs to be identified before the start of any treatment.Q. Can I take Fluconazole with alcohol?
Yes, Fluconazole can be taken with alcohol. No interactions have been reported between the two. However, it is better to consult your doctor on the use of alcohol before taking Fluconazole to avoid any side effects and get the maximum benefit of Fluconazole.Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Fluconazole?
If you have missed a dose of Fluconazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.Q. Can I take Fluconazole for yeast infection?
Yes, Fluconazole can be used for the treatment of yeast (candidal) infection. However, if you think you are suffering from a yeast infection, consult your doctor. This is because proper diagnosis is required before starting any therapy.Q. Is Fluconazole a steroid?
No, Fluconazole is not a steroid. Fluconazole belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals.Q. Does Fluconazole treat bacterial vaginosis?
No, Fluconazole does not treat bacterial vaginosis as it is not active against any bacteria. Fluconazole is used to treat infection of the vagina caused by Candida (a fungal infection). If you think you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis, consult your doctor. This is because the diagnosis of your infection (whether it is fungal or bacterial) is required to start your treatment.Q. Does Fluconazole make you feel tired?
Yes, Fluconazole can make you feel tired. If you experience excessive tiredness during the treatment with this medicine, consult your doctor. The reason for tiredness could be a sign of an underlying liver problem as Fluconazole can affect your liver.Q. Is Fluconazole over the counter (OTC)?
No, Fluconazole is not an over-the-counter (OTC) product. It is available only when prescribed by your doctor.Q. Is Fluconazole safe to be used in pregnancy?
No, Fluconazole is not safe to be used in pregnancy. Studies suggest that the use of Fluconazole during pregnancy is harmful to the development of the baby. Therefore, Fluconazole is prescribed in pregnant women only if the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks involved. However, if a woman gets pregnant during the treatment with Fluconazole, she must be well informed about the potential harm to the baby. If you are planning to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Fluconazole.Q. I feel better now, can I stop taking Fluconazole?
No, you should not stop taking Fluconazole suddenly without consulting your doctor. This is because suddenly stopping the medication may worsen your condition and your infection may return. Continue your medication even if you feel better as your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Stopping the medication too early could allow the fungus to continue to grow and hence, prevent complete healing.