Diflucan (Generic name: Fluconazole)

What is the most important information I should know about Diflucan?

• Do not take Diflucan if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), Diflucan could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
• In rare cases, Diflucan has caused severe liver damage, sometimes resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
• In rare cases, Diflucan has also caused severe skin rash, sometimes resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately fi you develop a rash while taking Diflucan.
• Take all of the Diflucan that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What is Diflucan?

• Diflucan is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat fungal infections.
• Diflucan is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; vaginal yeast infections; fungal urinary tract infections; pneumonia caused by yeast; and fungal infections throughout the whole body and in the blood. Diflucan is also used to prevent fungal infections from occurring in people with suppressed immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy patients, organ transplant patients, and AIDS patients.
• Diflucan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Diflucan?

• Do not take Diflucan if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), Diflucan could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
• Before taking Diflucan, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially kidney disease, or if you take other medicines. You may not be able to take Diflucan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
• Diflucan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Diflucan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Diflucan passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. For this reason, Diflucan should not be taken by nursing mothers. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Diflucan?

• Take Diflucan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• A single dose of this medication is often used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
• In multiple-dose therapy, a double dose of Diflucan is often taken on the first day of treatment to quickly get the proper amount of medicine into the body. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension using a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• It is important to take Diflucan regularly to get the most benefit.
• Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Diflucan overdose include confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, decreased movement, decreased breathing, tearing eyes, drooling, urinary incontinence, seizures, and death.

What should I avoid while taking Diflucan?

• Avoid alcohol or use it in moderation while taking Diflucan. Alcohol and Diflucan can both affect the liver.
• Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Diflucan may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of Diflucan?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Diflucan and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • liver damage (pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or dark urine); or
  • a rash.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, continue taking Diflucan and talk to your doctor:
  • nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
  • diarrhea;
  • headache;
  • dizziness;
  • fatigue; or
  • itching.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Diflucan?

• Do not take Diflucan if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), Diflucan could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.
• Before taking Diflucan, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), and others;
  • warfarin (Coumadin);
  • phenytoin (Dilantin, others);
  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
  • cisapride (Propulsid);
  • a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), estazolam (ProSom) and others;
  • tacrolimus ((Prograf);
  • rifabutin (Mycobutin) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); or
  • theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others); or
  • astemizole (Hismanal).
• You may not be able to take Diflucan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Diflucan or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.