Why is this drug prescribed?

Diflucan capsules, suspension and infusion all contain the active ingredient fluconazole, which is a type of drug called a triazole antifungal. Fluconazole is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Fluconazole is used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Fluconazole kills the fungi that are causing an infection by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As fluconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection. Fluconazole is used to treat a number of different types of fungal and yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida or Cryptococcus species of fungi. It can be taken by mouth or may be administered via a drip into a vein depending on the type and severity of the infection. The length of treatment will also depend on the type and severity of the infection, for example vaginal thrush can normally treated with a single dose by mouth, while some other infections may require six to eight weeks of treatment.

Treatments

* Fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot , ringworm, jock itch, pityriasis versicolor, or Candida skin infections. * Candida infections of the linings of the mouth, throat, lungs or urinary tract. * Internal fungal infections caused by Candida, eg infections of the bloodstream, urinary tract, heart, lungs, abdomen or other widespread internal infections. * Inflammation of the vagina caused by infection with Candida albicans. * Inflammation of the penis and/or foreskin caused by infection with Candida albicans. * Fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus fungi, including cryptococcal meningitis and infections affecting the lungs or skin. * Preventing relapse of disease caused by Cryptococcus fungi, eg cryptococcal meningitis, in people with AIDS. * Preventing fungal infections in people with a weakened immune system and low white blood cell counts, for example due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or bone marrow transplants.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Abdominal pain * Diarrhoea * Excess gas in the stomach and intestines * Nausea and vomiting * Indigestion * Headache * Rash * Alteration in taste * Liver disorders * Alteration in results of liver function tests * Dizziness * Seizures * Hair loss * Decrease in the number of white blood cells or platelets in the blood * Raised levels of cholesterol in the blood * Decrease in the level of potassium in the blood * Severe skin reactions * Allergic reactions