Fluconazole: What it is for and side effects

If you have ever suffered from fungus it is very possible that you have used or, at least, you have heard about Fluconazole , because it is one of the most recommended drugs to treat candida and other infections. Mycosis It is a broad spectrum antifungal that is taken orally in the form of tablets or syrup and, in severe cases, can also be administered intravenously.

Next we will explain in more detail everything related to this drug so that you learn what is Fluconazole , what it is for and what are its side effects.

What is Fluconazole

This drug from the triazole family is one of the most effective drugs against dermatophytosis and other fungi. Unlike other antifungals, Fluconazole is not marketed in ointments or for topical use, but is administered orally or, in extreme cases, administered injected into a vein.

Normally we can acquire Fluconazole in pharmacies in different formats. The most common format is in the form of tablets that we will find in different doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg or 200 mg. While in liquid format or oral suspension is sold in formats of 50 mg, 5 ml or 200 mg. It will be the doctor who will tell us what dose we should take based on our particular case and our physical condition.

As with all treatments for mycosis in general, treatment with Fluconazole must be followed until the end, even if we notice that the symptoms have improved or disappeared, because the fungi tend to reappear, and may give rise to new and successive outbreaks.

What is Fluconazole for?

Fluconazole is taken to combat a myriad of fungal infections, mainly those caused by the fungi Candida Albicans and the Cryptococcus. Among these, among the most common conditions that are treated by Fluconazole we can mention vaginal candidiasis, oral candidiasis and candidiasis of the penis.

Fungi of the nails, Mushrooms of the English and the chilblains are also often treated with Fluconazole . As well as chilblains, pityriasis versicolor, coccidiomycosis, cryptococcosis and blastomitosis.

On the other hand, esophageal candidiasis and systemic candidiasis can also be relieved by the antifungal action of Fluconazole .

Fluconazole is especially indicated to prevent relapse in patients who are recovering from a fungal infection or who are immunosuppressed, for example, in cases of people who have HIV, or who suffer from prolonged neutropenia.

Mycoses are not dangerous excess diseases but they do which are especially uncomfortable, annoying and, at times, painful. With the help of Fluconazole rapid recovery of the patient is achieved and successive outbreaks are prevented. It is indicated especially when the patient does not see a recovery with topical medications.

Depending on the specific pathology to be treated and the patient's medical condition, the doctor will indicate the dose that should be given. take.

Side effects of Fluconazole

Like all medications, Fluconazole can also have side effects . It is not the most common and most people usually tolerate the drug well, however, always take it with caution and be alert to possible unwanted effects.People with liver problems should always take this medication under medical supervision.

Those people who have kidney failure should also be monitored while taking Fluconazole , as they should control their dose a lot. that its intake is not toxic.

In addition, in very high doses, Fluconazole may cause psychiatric disorders such as paranoia and hallucinations.

• Strong headaches.
• Gastroenteritis .
• Hallucinations .

Contraindications of Fluconazole

Apart from the side effects we have seen, there are a number of people who should avoid the consumption of Fluconazole . These people are those who have a hypersensitivity to the drug or its components, as well as people intolerant to ketoconazole, itraconazole and miconazole.

Pregnant women should not take Fluconazole without strict medical supervision, especially if they are in their first trimester of pregnancy, because the substance could cause malformations in the fetus . Also, women who are breast-feeding should not take this medication.

In addition, people who are taking medications such as terfenadine or cisapride may suffer from cardiac arrhythmia if they combine these drugs with Fluconazole. .

Fluconazole can also cause interaction with some oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Other medications with which Fluconazole should not be mixed are:

• Lovastatin.
• Quinine.
• Digoxin.
• Zidovudine.
• Phenytoin.
• Chlorpropamide.
• Glibenclamide.
• Cyclosporine.
• Tacrolimus.
• Midazolam.
• Terfenadine.

On the other hand, there are substances that can interfere with the efficacy of Fluconazole , such as hydrochlorothiazide and rifampicin. While the first one causes an increase in serum levels of the drug, the second reduces it.

If you are a woman, you may be wondering what happens with oral contraceptives . If you are taking the pill, in principle, you can rest easy and take Fluconazole normally, because it does not interfere with the effectiveness of the contraceptive. But if taking Fluconazole is prolonged in time then you should be careful, because although there are not enough studies to confirm the interaction, Fluconazole decreases the metabolism of estrogen.

With this guide that we have offered you about Fluconazole now you know what the medication consists of and how to take it this drug so used against fungi. Always remember that the best advice we can give you before any health problem, and before taking any medication, is to consult with the doctor.

Fluconazole dose

When taking it, it is important to know the dose of Fluconazole indicated. Of course, nothing to self-medicate. It is advisable in any case that it is a medical specialist who pays you the dose of Fluconazole. However, this will usually be 150 mg in one dose. The most common prescription.

It occurs in cases in which candidiasis affects the reproductive system, either male or female. If the condition persists, you can repeat the three-day intake .

However, there are more serious cases, in which the dose of Fluconazole can last up to six weeks .And, depending on the type and severity of candidiasis, Fluconazole will be administered in tablets or intravenously.

Precautions when taking Fluconazole

Obviously, this is a potent medicine, so there are precautions when taking Fluconazole that we should have. Despite being a drug administered regularly, this does not mean that it does not have some side effects. The most common are gastroenteritis, stomach pain, dizziness and nausea. Without a doubt, a powerful medication.

For people who have migraines on a regular basis, Fluconazole can also lead to headaches . Even in some cases there have been small skin rashes . In this case, in patients who are carriers of HIV. Exceptional cases, but worthy of mention.

Less common is still Fluconazole derives in a liver toxicity , but it can happen. The reason is that in certain affected, triggers the creation of transaminases. The same goes for those people who have kidney failure. In these cases, the doctor must calculate the dose very accurately, so as not to affect the glomerular filtration rate.

It is also not advisable to give this medicine to people with hypersensitivity to some of the components of Fluconazole. We are talking about miconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole. Your exposure, can lead to an addiction , whose consequences would be dramatic.

And the extreme case is found in those who abuse, continuously, Fluconazole. The side effects of this behavior are from hallucinations to paranoia . Hence the need for it to be prescribed by a health specialist.

Obviously , being a medically so strong and with so many side effects, is completely forbidden for pregnant women . Especially during the first trimester, when the fetus is more sensitive to everything that comes from abroad. The intake of Fluconazole can mean malformations in the fetus .

Finally, it is contraindicated to mix Fluconazole with cisapride or terfenadine. The reason is that, almost certainly, it would cause a severe heart arrhythmia in those who perform this lethal combination. Something similar happens when we mix lexatin and alcohol: side effects, the mixture can have disastrous consequences for those who carry it out. Clearly forbidden.

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