Fluconazole

What is fluconazole?

Fluconazole (also called Diflucan^®) is used to treat fungal infections. It is available as a 100-mg, 150-mg, and 200-mg pink tablet, and as a white orange-flavored liquid suspension taken by mouth. It is also available as a clear liquid given by vein.

Possible side effects of fluconazole

Early

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach upset

Later (usually more than a day after treatment starts)

• Diarrhea
• Temporary changes in liver function
• Feeling dizzy
• Rash
• Headache

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for fluconazole

• When taking the liquid suspension by mouth:
  • Shake the liquid suspension well before each dose.
  • Store the liquid at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
  • Discard the liquid suspension after 14 days.
• Fluconazole may affect the way other medicines work. These medicines include:
  • Oral medicines for diabetes,
  • Warfarin,
  • Phenytoin,
  • Cyclosporine,
  • Theophylline,
  • Zidovudine, and
  • These chemotherapy medicines:
    • Vincristine,
    • Etoposide,
    • Daunorubicin,
    • Doxorubicin,
    • Idarubicin,
    • Mitoxantrone,
    • Ifosfamide, and
    • Cyclophosphamide.
• Several medicines can affect how fluconazole works. These medicines include:
  • hydrochlorothiazide,
  • rifampin, and
  • cimetidine.
• Always tell your doctor if you are taking these medicines, or if you start taking any new medicine while you are taking fluconazole.
• Take fluconazole with food if stomach upset occurs.