Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
- For cryptococcal meningitis:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) on the first day, followed by 200 mg once a day for at least 10 to 12 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children 6 months to 13 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight on the first day, followed by 6 mg per kg of body weight once a day, for at least 10 to 12 weeks.
- Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For esophageal candidiasis:
- Adults—200 milligrams (mg) on the first day, followed by 100 mg once a day for at least 3 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children 6 months to 13 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 6 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight on the first day, followed by 3 mg per kg of body weight once a day, for at least 3 weeks.
- Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oropharyngeal candidiasis:
- Adults—200 milligrams (mg) on the first day, followed by 100 mg once a day for at least 2 weeks.
- Children 6 months to 13 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 6 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight on the first day, followed by 3 mg per kg of body weight once a day, for at least 2 weeks.
- Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For other infections that may occur in different parts of the body:
- Adults—Doses of up to 400 milligrams (mg) per day.
- Children 6 months to 13 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 6 to 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day.
- Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of candidiasis during bone marrow transplantation:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For urinary tract infections or peritonitis:
- Adults—50 to 200 milligrams (mg) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For vaginal candidiasis:
- Adults—150 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For cryptococcal meningitis:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
The mixed oral liquid should be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature and used within 14 days. Do not freeze.
Side effects of Fluconazole
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
- Chills
- clay-colored stools
- cough
- dark urine
- diarrhea
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- headache
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- light-colored stools
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- stomach pain, continuing
- tightness in the chest
- unpleasant breath odor
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- upper right abdominal or stomach pain
- vomiting
- vomiting of blood
- yellow eyes and skin
Incidence not known
- Black, tarry stools
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- chest pain or discomfort
- decreased urine
- dry mouth
- fainting
- hoarseness
- increased thirst
- irregular or slow heart rate
- joint or muscle pain
- loss of bladder control
- lower back or side pain
- mood changes
- muscle pain or cramps
- muscle spasm or jerking of the arms and legs
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- seizures
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- sudden loss of consciousness
- swollen glands
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
- Fearfulness, suspiciousness, or other mental changes
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Belching
- change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
- heartburn
- indigestion
- stomach discomfort or upset
Incidence not known
- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
