Fluconazole is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat fungal infections.

Fluconazole is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; vaginal yeast infections; fungal urinary tract infections; pneumonia caused by yeast; and fungal infections throughout the whole body and in the blood. Fluconazole is also used to prevent fungal infections from occurring in people with suppressed immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy patients, organ transplant patients, and AIDS patients.

Fluconazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take fluconazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

A single dose of this medication is often used to treat vaginal yeast infections.

In multiple-dose therapy, a double dose of fluconazole is often taken on the first day of treatment to quickly get the proper amount of medicine into the body. Follow your doctor's directions.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension using a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

It is important to take fluconazole regularly to get the most benefit.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after 14 days.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluconazole and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); liver damage (pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or dark urine); or a rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, continue taking fluconazole and talk to your doctor:

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Avoid alcohol or use it in moderation while taking fluconazole. Alcohol and fluconazole can both affect the liver.

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Fluconazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Do not take fluconazole if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid). Combined with cisapride (Propulsid), fluconazole could cause serious, even fatal, heart problems.

Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), and others;

theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others); or

You may not be able to take fluconazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluconazole or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

? Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

? The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after 14 days.