Diflucan 200mg Capsules

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine that kills the fungus or yeast causing an infection by damaging its outer membrane. The most common cause of fungal infection is a yeast called candida.

It is used to treat:

• thrush, including vaginal thrush, oral (mouth) thrush and balanitis (irritation of the head of the penis)
• candida infections in the blood or other parts of the body
• cryptococcal meningitis, a fungal infection of the brain

It may also be prescribed to prevent fungal infections in people at higher risk, such as those with frequent thrush or a weakened immune system.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Treatment may be a single dose or a longer course, depending on the infection.

• You can take it with or without food. Taking it after a snack may help if it makes you feel sick.
• Swallow capsules whole with water. For the liquid, use the measuring spoon provided, not a kitchen spoon.
• Finish the full course, even if you feel better, to stop the infection coming back.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• See your doctor if thrush symptoms have not improved after 7 days.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• feeling or being sick
• rash

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• yellow skin or eyes, pale poo or dark pee (possible liver problems)
• bruising or infections more easily than usual (possible blood problem)
• a fast or irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to fluconazole or another medicine
• have a heart condition, including heart rhythm problems
• have kidney or liver problems
• have acute porphyria, a rare blood disorder
• have low or abnormal potassium, calcium or magnesium levels

Fluconazole interacts with many medicines, including warfarin, clopidogrel, statins, some antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin), amiodarone, carbamazepine, some antidepressants and antipsychotics. Tell your pharmacist about everything you take.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy: fluconazole is usually only used in pregnancy if other treatments, such as clotrimazole, have not worked. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying for a baby.

Breastfeeding: it can usually be taken if your baby is healthy. Speak to your doctor first.

Contraception: if severe vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than 24 hours, the pill may not protect you; check the pill packet.

Driving: rarely it can cause dizziness; do not drive if affected. Alcohol is not expected to be a problem.