fluconazole
Last reviewed 01/2018
The drug fluconazole may be administered orally or intravenously, and its use is indicated in:
- systemic candidiasis and cryptococcal infections
- acute or recurrent vaginal candidiasis
- mucosal candidiasis
- prevention of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS
Caution must be exercised in the following settings:
- renal impairment
- pregnancy - toxic in high doses in animal studies
- children - use only if no other treatment available. - do not use if under 1 year of age.
Side-effects of fluconazole include:
- nausea
- occasionally abnormalities of liver enzymes and rash
- abdominal discomfort with diarrhoea and flatulence
Clinicians should be aware of potential problems, such as resistance, drug interactions, and cost.