DIFLUCAN DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not
be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
FLUCONAZOLE - ORAL (flew-CON-uh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Diflucan
USES: This medication is an antifungal agent used to treat
infections in certain areas of the body caused by yeast and
yeast-like organisms.
HOW TO USE: This medication
works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept
at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly
spaced intervals. Take as directed since different conditions
require different methods of use. This drug is usually taken
once daily. Another dosing method involves taking the drug
for one week per month until treatment is completed. 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 yeast to continue to
grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication
may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, altered taste,
diarrhea, nausea, headache or dizziness during the first few
days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms
persist or become severe, inform your doctor. In the unlikely
event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor
your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney
disease, any drug allergies. This medication should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks
and benefits with your doctor. Fluconazole is excreted into
breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug recommends it not
be used while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before you
breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your
doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you may use, especially of: astemizole, cisapride, cimetidine,
oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, oral antidiabetic drugs,
hydrochlorothiazide, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, certain
benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, triazolam), tacrolimus,
terfenadine, theophylline, warfarin, zidovudine. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include hallucinations
and changes in behavior.
NOTES: This medication has
been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use
it later for another infection or give it to someone else.
A different medicine may be needed.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss
a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time
for the next dose, take the scheduled dose only. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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