Diflucan

Information on Diflucan

Tablets
Chemical Name: FLUCONAZOLE (floo-KOE-na-zole)

Common uses
This medicine is an azole antifungal used to treat or prevent certain fungal infections. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine), serotonin receptor agonists (such as eletriptan or almotriptan), aldosterone blockers (such as eplerenone), astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, erythromycin, or pimozide. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin), amiodarone, benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam), buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, haloperidol, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as simvastatin), hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills), hydantoins (such as phenytoin), macrolide immunosuppressants (such as tacrolimus), methadone, muscarinic antagonists (such as solifenacin, tolterodine), narcotics (such as codeine), proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole), quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin), rifabutin, rifampin, ramelteon, sulfonylureas (such as glipizide), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of any heart problems, irregular heartbeat (such as QT prolongation), electrolyte problems, kidney or liver problems, cancer, HIV infection, diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Only 1 dose of this medicine is usually required. IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS PRESCRIBED MORE THAN 1 DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE AND YOU MISS A DOSE, take it as soon as possible. Continue to use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT TAKE SELDANE (terfenadine), HISMANAL (astemizole), or cisapride while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES AND ARE TAKING MEDICINE TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL, this medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction if it occurs. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS CLOSELY and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU ARE TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, mild stomach upset or nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, taste changes, and dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of your hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; seizures; irregular heartbeat; unusual or severe stomach pain; yellowing of your eyes or skin; dark urine; sore throat; fever; or unusual tiredness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include hallucinations and changes in behavior.

Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.