INTRODUCTION

The health ailment you will want to least experience in your lifetime is the fungal or vaginal yeast infections. All these infections are quite irritating with continuing itching and rashes. The only thing you seek at that time is an immediate cure from such symptoms. Diflucan (Fluconazole) is a popular medication used for treating fungal infections. Fluconazole is orally administered in the form of tablets or powder to treat various types fungal or yeast infections occurred in mouth, throat, bladder, esophagus, lungs, genital area and blood. It is also available in a sterile solution for injecting into the body.

Diflucan (Fluconazole) belongs to a class of triazole antifungal drugs and is the most recommended treatment for general and external fungal infections. People undergoing cancer treatment, bone marrow transplant or suffering from diseases such as AIDS are very much prone to fungal or yeast infections due to a weak immune system. Fluconazole proves to be effective in such conditions too. In addition, it is prescribed for urinary tract infections, peritonitis and pneumonia infections.

Like most antifungal drugs belonging to triazole-class, Diflucan (Fluconazole) suppresses the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14α-demethylase. This suppression prevents the transition of lanosterol to ergosterol, a vital constituent of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane, and following aggregation of 14α-methyl sterols. Fluconazole creates obstacles in the building of cells walls of fungi organisms and consequently, wipes out the infection.

Fluconazole is the generic name and active ingredient of this medication. Diflucan tablets are available in 50, 100, 150, or 200mg of Fluconazole. There are also certain inactive ingredients that make this drug complete. These include microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake dye, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Diflucan (Fluconazole) is indicated for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections caused due to Candida. It is also prescribed for treating urinary tract infections, general Candida infections such as disseminated candidiasis, candidemia and pneumonia, and peritonitis. AIDS cryptococcal infections can also be treated with Fluconazole. However, AIDS patients should take the advice of their physician before using it.

Diflucan is also indicated in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation and cancer chemotherapy treatment to reduce the occurrence of candidiasis. Prophylaxis of candidiasis in such patients happens due to their weak immune system or immunodeficiency.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosage of Diflucan (Fluconazole) depends upon the type of infection and group of patients. The recommended dosage for vulvovaginal candidiasis is 150 mg per day for two weeks. Resistant skin infections or some prophylactic indications are treated with 150 to 300 mg doses once a day for one week. A Fluconazole dose of 500-600 mg per day may be prescribed for serious or systemic infections. Some critical infections like meningitis are treated with 800 mg of Diflucan (Fluconazole) per day. More often, doctors advise a loading dose, e.g. a dose of 200 mg on the first day when carrying out a daily dosage program. A dose of 150 mg per day is recommended subsequently.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Diflucan (Fluconazole) is contraindicated in patients who are allergic or hypersensitive to Fluconazole or any of its excipients. Simultaneous administration of terafenadine is contraindicated in patients taking multiple doses of Fluconazole in strength of 400 mg or more. Concomitant administration of cisapride and Diflucan (Fluconazole) is relatively contraindicated in patients as it increases the risk of severe cardiac arrhythmias. Pregnant women should not use Diflucan to avoid risk to their unborn child.