In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
What is Diflucan? What is its composition and can anyone use it? The drug may be in the form of capsules or syrup, it has anti-infective and antifungal properties, therefore it is recommended in gynecological and urological infections, in dermatology and in the course of internal diseases. Are there any contraindications to the use of the agent?
Diflucan is an antifungal medicine of the triazole group. The use of the drug is indicated in urological, gynecological, dermatological and venereological infections, it is also recommended in the course of some internal diseases.
Diflucan – how it works
The active substance is fluconazole. The action of this substance is based on the inhibition of the synthesis of ergosterol, which is a necessary component of the fungal cell membrane. In the process, the cell membrane is damaged, which in turn causes the fungus to die. Fluconazole is a substance that is very well absorbed after administration, after oral application its plasma concentration reaches almost 90%, which is comparable to intravenous application. In addition, the absorption process is not disturbed by food consumption, the active substance penetrates into all body fluids, including the cerebrospinal fluid. Very important information for the patient is that the drug achieves faster absorption and concentration in keratinized tissues (nails, skin and epidermis) than in plasma. Diflucan has a long half-life (approximately 30 hours), which allows it to be administered as a single dose.
Diflucan is indicated in adults for:
- invasive candidiasis
- cryptococcal meningitis
- coccidioidomycosis
- with recurrent meningitis
- in recurrent yeast inflammation of the esophagus, oral cavity, larynx in people diagnosed with HIV
- fungal infections in people who, for example, have been diagnosed with a blood cancer during chemotherapy
Diflucan can also be administered to newborns, infants as well as children and adolescents up to 18 years of age in the case of acute infections caused, for example, by yeasts. Dosage and its frequency are determined by the doctor.
Diflucan – contraindications
It happens that there are indications for the use of the preparation, but unfortunately the patient cannot take it. What are the main contraindications to taking the drug? First of all, the patient cannot use the preparation in any form if he is allergic or hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug. Diflucan cannot be used in the treatment of ringworm of the skin with hair. Special care should be taken in the treatment if the patient has any liver problems, a specialist should order checkups before starting treatment, as during treatment. Side effects may occur during prolonged use of the drug, which you should inform your doctor about. Diflucan passes into the blood, therefore special care is recommended in pregnant and lactating women.
The side effects that Diflucan may cause include:
- asthma
- appetite disorders
- problems with sleeping
- headache
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- rash
- increased sweating
- itching
- bad mood
- increased levels of cholesterol in the blood
- Heart arythmia
- thrombocytopenia
- dizziness of peripheral origin
- seizures
Before using the medicine, read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine, also check the expiry date, because the medicine cannot be taken after the expiry date.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.