1. Take the MRSA Quiz!
2. Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures
3. Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluconazole (Diflucan)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluconazole, or similar drugs such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin), econazole (Spectazole), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Monistat, Oravig), sertaconazole (Ertaczo), sulconazole (Exelderm), terconazole (Terazol), tioconazole (Vagistat-1), or voriconazole (Vfend).

You should not use fluconazole if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid).

To make sure you can safely take fluconazole, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• a heart rhythm disorder; or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take more than 1 dose of fluconazole if you are pregnant. Long-term use of fluconazole can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

A single dose of fluconazole taken to treat a vaginal yeast infection is not expected to harm an unborn baby.

Fluconazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take fluconazole (Diflucan)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your dose will depend on the infection you are treating. Vaginal infections are often treated with only one pill. For other infections, your first dose may be a double dose. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medication. Fluconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

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

You may store liquid fluconazole in a refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any leftover liquid medicine that is more than 2 weeks old.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.