GENERIC NAME: FLUCONAZOLE - ORAL (flew-CON-uh-zole)
BRAND NAME(S): Diflucan

USES
Fluconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to prevent and treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections.

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus or yeast to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

FLUCONAZOLE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset/pain, headache, dizziness, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole); or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease. Although uncommon, this drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fluconazole passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting fluconazole. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: amitriptyline, certain anti-diabetic drugs (sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide), certain benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), certain calcium channel blockers (e.g., felodipine, nifedipine), carbamazepine, certain COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib, valdecoxib), certain drugs that affect the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), eplerenone, phenytoin, rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin), theophylline. There are conflicting reports about the effect of this medication with birth control pills. Fluconazole may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

FLUCONAZOLE OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: hallucinations, mental/mood changes.

NOTES
Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

FLUCONAZOLE STORAGE
Store the US product below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Common fluconazole misspellings: fluconazol, fluconzole, fuconazole, gluconazole