Fluconazole — Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safe Buying Tips

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine many people know as Diflucan. It treats yeast infections like vaginal thrush, some skin and nail fungal infections, and serious fungal illnesses in the mouth, throat, or bloodstream. This page gives straightforward facts about what fluconazole does, common doses, side effects to watch for, drug interactions, and practical tips for using it safely.

How fluconazole works and common uses

Fluconazole blocks a fungus’s ability to make ergosterol, a key part of its cell membrane. Without that, the fungus weakens and dies. That action makes fluconazole effective for single-dose treatment of uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections, a short course for oral or esophageal candidiasis, and longer courses for more serious infections. Doctors also use it to prevent fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Typical dosing varies: one single 150 mg tablet often clears a simple vaginal yeast infection. Oral thrush or skin infections may need a few days to weeks of treatment. Serious infections require higher doses and longer therapy under close medical care. Never guess the dose — follow your prescriber’s instructions.

Side effects, warnings, and interactions

Most people tolerate fluconazole well. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, headache, and sometimes rashes. Rare but serious effects can include liver injury and severe allergic reactions. Stop the drug and get urgent care if you develop jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes), dark urine, persistent nausea, or a widespread rash.

Fluconazole interacts with many drugs. It can raise blood levels of warfarin, some antiarrhythmics, certain benzodiazepines, and statins, increasing side effect risks. It may also affect oral contraceptives slightly; while a single dose usually won’t stop birth control from working, talk to your provider if you have concerns. If you take other medicines, share the list with your prescriber or pharmacist before starting fluconazole.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require caution. Fluconazole at high doses or long courses has been linked to birth defects in animal studies and is generally avoided during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Single-dose treatment for a vaginal yeast infection is still debated — ask your doctor. If you’re breastfeeding, discuss safety for your baby.

Safe use and buying tips

Always try to get fluconazole through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Counterfeit pills are a real risk online. Check the pharmacy’s credentials, read reviews, and avoid sites that don’t require a prescription. Generic fluconazole is widely available and usually cheaper than brand-name versions. Store tablets in a dry place at room temperature, and finish the full course unless your doctor says otherwise.

If symptoms don’t improve in a few days, or they return quickly after treatment, see your healthcare provider. You may need a different drug, a longer course, or testing to identify the exact fungus. Fluconazole helps a lot of people, but correct diagnosis and safe use matter.

Have questions about your dose or drug interactions? Ask your pharmacist or prescriber — they can give advice tailored to your health and other medicines.