Medicines & Supplements A to Z > Fluconazole
Fluconazole
Last updated on 22/03/2021.
Overview | Dosage | Side Effects | Precautions | Tips | Where To Buy
GENERIC NAME: Fluconazole
CHINESE NAME: 氟康唑
BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Diflucan, Exomax, Medoflucon, Syscan, Zemyc
DRUG CLASS: Antifungal agent
USED FOR: Treatment of candidiasis, fungal skin infections
OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Terbinafine
AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 50mg, 150mg (capsules)
– 50mg, 150mg (tablets)
– 2mg/ml (injections)
– 50mg/5ml (oral suspension)
What is Fluconazole for?
Fluconazole is an antifungal agent that is commonly used to treat several fungal infections, but not limited to the following:
– Vaginal yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis)
– Mucosal candidiasis
– Fungal skin infections (e.g. Athlete’s foot)
How to use it?
Fluconazole can be taken by mouth or as an injection. If you are taking or have taken Fluconazole, avoid pregnancy during the treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. The suggested dosages for different uses and age groups are listed below:
For vaginal/ vulvovaginal candidiasis
Adult
Uncomplicated: Oral: 150 mg for 1 dose
Recurrent: Oral: 150 mg every 72 hours for 3 doses, then 150 mg once weekly as maintenance doses for 6 months.
For mucosal candidiasis (except genital)
Adult
Oral: The doses and duration of treatment depend on different conditions:
– For oropharyngeal candidiasis: take 50 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
– For atrophic oral candidiasis associated with dentures: take 50 mg once daily for 14 days.
– Other mucosal infections: take 50 mg once daily for 14-30 days. If the infections do not go away, increase to 100 mg daily.
Child 12-17 years
Oral: The doses and duration of treatment depend on different conditions:
- For oropharyngeal candidiasis: take 50 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
- Other mucosal infections: take 50 mg once daily for 14-30 days. If the infections do not go away, increase to 100 mg daily.
Child 1 month – 11 years
Oral: The doses and duration of treatment depend on different conditions:
- For oropharyngeal candidiasis: take 3-6 mg/kg on the first day, then 3 mg/kg daily for 7-14 days.
- Other mucosal infections: take 3-6 mg/kg on the first day, then 3 mg/kg daily for 14-30 days.
For fungal skin infections
Adult: Oral: 50 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks, with a maximum duration of 6 weeks.
For prevention of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients
Adult: Oral/ Injection: 50-400 mg once daily.
Child: Oral/ Injection: 3-12 mg/ kg once daily with a maximum dose of 400 mg per dose.
What are the side effects of Fluconazole?
The most common side effects of Fluconazole include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and taste alteration.
Who should not take Fluconazole?
– Anyone who is allergic to Fluconazole or any component of the formulation
– Patients with acute porphyrias
Pharmacist Tips:
– Shake suspension well before use to ensure accurate dosing.
– Fluconazole may occasionally cause dizziness or seizures. Do not drive, operate machinery or use tools before you know how you respond to Fluconazole.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take oral Fluconazole with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Fluconazole may interact with:
– Alcohol
– Drugs that prolong QT intervals, e.g. Amiodarone, Citalopram, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin
– Statins, e.g. Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Fluconazole in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Fluconazole is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Fluconazole in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
