What is Fluconazole and how does it work?
Fluconazole 150mg capsule, also known under the brand name Diflucan, is a treatment for vaginal thrush (Candidal vaginitis) and thrush affecting the penis (Candidal balanitis). It may also be used to treat infections that affect other parts of the body such as the throat, oesophagus, lungs, and blood, and may also be used in the treatment of meningitis. It belongs to a class of drugs called azole antifungals, and works by stopping the growth of certain types of fungus. It stops the fungi from reproducing to eventually clear the infection.
What causes Thrush?
Thrush is caused by a disruption in the balance of bacteria which naturally lives within the vagina and is usually harmless, it can be caused by a number of factors including:
- Medicines such as antibiotics
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Pregnancy
- The menopause
- Menstruation
- Trauma from sexual activity
- Tampons
- Stress
- Perfumed soap, shower gels or bubble baths
- Wearing tight clothing
Fluconazole for thrush
Vaginal thrush is the common term for infections of the vagina with Candida species of fungi, in particular Candida albicans. This infection causes inflammation and discharge of the vagina which is usually odourless. In men it causes soreness and redness of the penis, tightness of the foreskin, or a white discharge.
Fluconazole kills the Candida fungi causing the thrush 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 and its contents leak out causing the cells to die.
Who is suitable for Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is suitable for adults and sometimes children who have been diagnosed with a fungal infection. It’s important to get a diagnosis of this before seeking treatment to ensure that the treatment you receive can effectively kill this particular type of fungus. For instance, thrush can often be mistaken for other vaginal infections which require a different type of treatment.
Fluconazole may also be suitable for those who have a weakened immune system to stop them from getting a fungal infection, or to prevent infections coming back.
Who should not take Fluconazole?
Not everyone will be suitable for this particular treatment. Your medical history and present health condition will be considered before you are prescribed Fluconazole. You may not be able to take this medicine if you’re taking any other medicines which may interact with Fluconazole, or if you have any existing medical conditions which could be made worse by taking this medicine.
You should not take Fluconazole if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients. If you’ve previously had an allergic reaction to any other antifungal treatment you will not be suitable to take this medicine.
Speak to you doctor before taking Fluconazole if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver or kidney problems
- Heart disease or heart rhythm problems
- Abnormal levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood
- Severe skin reactions
- You have signs of adrenal insufficiency including chronic or long lasting fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain
Can you take Fluconazole while pregnant?
Fluconazole should only be given during pregnancy if the infection is causing serious and dangerous risks to the mother or baby. Fluconazole also passes into breast milk and can cause side effects for the breastfed child. Therefore, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor before taking this medicine as it must only be used in serious cases and when the benefits of taking this medicine outweigh the risks.
Taking Fluconazole with other medicines
If you’re currently taking other medicines it’s important to inform your doctor of these whether they’re prescription or non-prescription medicines. This is to ensure that Fluconazole will not interact with these drugs and potentially cause side effects. If you’re taking any of the following medicines you should not take Fluconazole. These medicines include:
- Astemizole
- Terfenadine
- Cisapride
- Pimozide
- Quinidine
- Erythromycin
There are many other drugs listed on the patient information leaflet which may possibly interact with Fluconazole so it’s important to inform your doctor of any medicines you may be taking.
How to take Fluconazole
How you take Fluconazole depends on the type of infection it is being used to treat and the severity of the infection. It may be given intravenously for more serious infections such as meningitis, or as an oral capsule for other infections such as thrush. Fluconazole may be given daily to prevent infections or as a single dose to treat vaginal thrush. The dose for treating genital thrush is usually 150 mg. The medicine gets to work right away but it may take a few days for your symptoms to fully clear. If your symptoms begin to improve before you’ve finished your course you should still continue to take the medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
What are the side effects of Fluconazole?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because side effects are stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience side effects. Common side effects are listed below:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Increase in blood tests of liver function
- Rash (tell your doctor if you get a rash after taking this medicine)
In rare cases some patients may experience an allergic reaction and it’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can get urgent medical help if you do happen to experience a reaction as they can be severe and potentially life threatening . These symptoms include widespread blistering, rash and skin peeling, severe skin reactions, and/or swelling of the lips or face.
Do you need a prescription for Fluconazole?
A doctor or pharmacist will need to ensure the treatment is suitable and safe for you, therefore, Fluconazole is a prescription drug. You can buy prescription medicines such as this in a pharmacy or at an online doctor service with registered doctors on hand such as at Doctor-4-U. Our doctors will ensure you’re suitable to take this medicine before prescribing it to you.
How should I store these Fluconazole tablets?
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 25 degrees, and make sure that this medicine remains in its original packaging.
Why choose Fluconazole triple pack?
If you find yourself having recurring symptoms of thrush, you should always make an appointment with your doctor to confirm a thrush diagnosis.
It can come in handy to buy Fluconazole triple pack if thrush continues to come back, even though you have taken the medicine previously, it can save time and money. If you and your partner keep passing thrush to one another during intercourse, then you could choose to use this triple pack to help treat both of you at the same time, as long as both of you have been diagnosed by a doctor and deemed suitable to take this medicine.
How to buy Fluconazole 3 pack
Some medicines are only allowed to be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist or doctor. Fluconazole is one of these medicines.
Just like when you buy this medicine in a high street or local pharmacy, the pharmacist will need to ask you a few questions. This is a legal requirement for selling this type of medicine.
When sold online, we need to make sure our doctors have all the information they need to ensure that this treatment is right for you.
Our online service allows you to legally and safely buy medicines quickly and easily, from the comfort of your own home by submitting a completed consultation form to one of our General Medical Council (GMC) registered doctors.
Once you’ve submitted the relevant information, one of our doctors will review the request and, if it is deemed appropriate for you, your prescription will be dispensed by our UK-based pharmacy with full tracking to your chosen address.
How is my order shipped to me?
When an order is ready for shipping, it is collected and delivered by either the Royal Mail or DPD depending on your preference (or possibly your location or the item you ordered). Each order is assigned a tracking number, which will be emailed to you at the time of dispatch. Your medicine will be sent in plain and discreet packaging that’s eco-friendly. We do not include any branding on our packaging nor any labels which inform readers what type of product is contained within.
Advice on Addiction and Medication Restrictions
If you are at all worried or concerned about an addiction to any type of medication, we urge you to speak to a professional for help and advice. Below are links to organisations that can help.
Talk To Frank
NHS Help & Advice On Drug Addiction