Diflucan is a fluconazole antifungal drug used to treat yeast infections, but it can also be used to manage oral and skin fungal infections. It comes in tablet form and must be taken with water. Patients should never crush or chew the diflucan tablets because they are time-release capsules that do not disintegrate in water. Instead, patients should swallow the entire tablet with water.
This article explains how to get a prescription for diflucan and what to tell your doctor before taking this drug.
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Who Can Take Diflucan?
Diflucan is used to treat yeast infections and some skin infections. It can be taken by people of all ages who are at risk of developing a yeast infection.
Diflucan is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Diflucan does pass into breast milk and has been found to cause damage to a breast-fed infant.
People with any of the following conditions should not take diflucan:
- Breastfeeding: Diflucan should not be taken by breastfeeding women.
- Under the age of 18 years: Diflucan is not recommended for children under the age of 18.
- Pregnancy: Diflucan is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Allergic to diflucan or any of its ingredients.
- Taking certain other medications such as cyclosporine, oral steroids, medicines to treat HIV, or medications to prevent transplant rejection.
- Having a clotting disorder.
- Seizures.
How to Get a Prescription for Diflucan
If your doctor diagnoses you with a fungal infection, he or she will most likely prescribe diflucan to treat it.
Before your doctor will give you a prescription, he or she will ask you to provide a medical history, including past health conditions and current medications.
- Medical History: Before writing a prescription, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your health and medical history. These questions will help your doctor determine if you are a good candidate for diflucan.
- Current Medications: Your doctor will ask about any other medications you are currently taking. Diflucan must be taken with water and should not be taken with grapefruit juice or any other drugs or supplements that are taken with grapefruit juice.
- Blood Test: If your doctor thinks you may be at risk of having a negative reaction to diflucan, he or she may ask you to take a blood test to check for certain conditions.
Side Effects of Diflucan
While diflucan is generally safe, it can cause side effects in some patients. Patients should consult with a doctor if they experience any of these side effects after taking diflucan:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash
- Rash and itchy skin
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
- Confusion
- Vision problems
- Blood disorders, such as anemia, low white blood cell count, or low platelet count
- Liver damage
- Heart rhythm problems
- Blood clots
How to Use Diflucan
- Every Day: Diflucan is taken on a daily basis for a period of two weeks. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before taking diflucan.
- With Water: Diflucan must be taken with water. Patients who are taking diflucan should be sure to drink plenty of water to help the drug move through their bodies and be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Dosage: Patients should follow the dosage instructions on the prescription label. The dosage will depend on the type of fungal infection being treated.
- Interactions: Patients who are taking diflucan should be sure to discuss any other medications they are taking with their doctor. Diflucan can interact with some medications, including grapefruit juice, warfarin, and cyclosporine.
- Storage: Diflucan should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Patients should be sure to keep diflucan out of reach of children.
When to Call Your Doctor After Taking Diflucan
Patients who experience any of the following symptoms after taking diflucan should call their doctor as soon as possible:
- Blood clots.
- Heart rhythm problems.
- Severe rash.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Confusion.
- Vision problems.
Summing up
Diflucan is a fluconazole antifungal drug used to treat yeast infections, but it can also be used to manage oral and skin fungal infections. It comes in tablet form and must be taken with water.
Patients should never crush or chew the diflucan tablets because they are time-release capsules that do not disintegrate in water. Instead, patients should swallow the entire tablet with water.
Doctors can prescribe diflucan to patients who are at risk of developing a yeast infection. Patients should follow the dosage instructions on the prescription label and be sure to drink plenty of water when taking diflucan.
Patients should also be sure to consult with their doctor about any medications they are currently taking.
If you have been diagnosed with a fungal infection and your doctor prescribes diflucan to treat it, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the prescription label. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water when taking diflucan to help the drug move through your body and be absorbed into the bloodstream.
