fluconazole at a glance
Medicine class
Systemic triazole antifungal
Main targets
Susceptible Candida species and Cryptococcus; activity varies by fungal species
Available forms
Capsules, oral suspension and intravenous infusion
Food
Oral fluconazole can be taken with or without food
What is fluconazole used for?
Selected products are licensed to treat or prevent specified susceptible fungal infections.
Cryptococcal meningitis and prevention of relapse in people at high risk
Coccidioidomycosis
Invasive candidiasis
Mucosal candidiasis, including oral, oesophageal and urinary Candida infection
Chronic denture-associated oral candidiasis when hygiene measures or topical treatment are insufficient
Vaginal candidiasis or candidal balanitis when local treatment is inappropriate
Selected skin, nail and superficial fungal infections when systemic treatment is indicated or alternatives are unsuitable
Prevention of Candida infection during prolonged neutropenia and prevention of selected recurrent Candida infections
In children, selected products cover mucosal or invasive candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis and Candida prevention in immunocompromised patients
How does fluconazole work?
Fluconazole blocks a fungal enzyme needed to make ergosterol, an essential part of the fungal cell membrane. This disrupts membrane function and inhibits susceptible fungi.
fluconazole preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 2 mg/mL
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
How to take fluconazole
Follow the prescription or pack instructions for the supplied formulation.
Swallow capsules whole with water. They may be taken with or without food.
Shake oral suspension well before measuring it. Use the supplied oral syringe or measuring device, not a kitchen teaspoon.
Oral suspensions differ in preparation, storage and discard instructions; follow the pharmacy label and product leaflet.
Intravenous fluconazole is administered by healthcare professionals.
fluconazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Raised liver-enzyme results
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or angioedema
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reactions, including DRESS
- Liver injury, which may cause jaundice, dark urine, persistent nausea or marked weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm or QT prolongation
- Significant blood-cell disorders
fluconazole in pregnancy
Oral fluconazole is not commonly used for vaginal thrush during pregnancy because effective topical treatments such as clotrimazole are usually preferred. It may sometimes be considered when alternatives have failed or for a serious infection after individual assessment. After inadvertent exposure, do not stop prescribed treatment without advice; routine antenatal monitoring is generally sufficient after exposure for thrush.
fluconazole while breastfeeding
Fluconazole passes into breast milk. It can often be used when breastfeeding a healthy infant, but repeated or prolonged treatment, higher exposure, or feeding a premature or unwell infant should be discussed with the prescriber. Monitor the baby for poor feeding, vomiting or diarrhoea. A breastfed baby with a fungal infection needs separate treatment.
fluconazole interactions
Fluconazole inhibits several CYP enzymes, so interactions can persist after it is stopped. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check all medicines, including non-prescription and herbal products.
Cisapride, astemizole, pimozide, quinidine or erythromycin
These combinations are contraindicated because increased concentrations may cause dangerous QT prolongation and arrhythmias.
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Anticoagulant effects and bleeding risk may increase, requiring closer clotting monitoring.
Atorvastatin, simvastatin and some other statins
Exposure may increase, raising the risk of muscle injury or rhabdomyolysis.
Common questions about fluconazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is fluconazole an antibiotic?
No. It is an antifungal for susceptible fungal and yeast infections, not bacterial infections.
Can fluconazole be taken with food?
Yes. Capsules and oral liquid can be taken with or without food. Taking it after food may help if it causes nausea.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.