What is Fluconazole for

Fluconazole is an antibiotic which can treat both some bacterial infections as some fungal . It is well known in its use against vaginal yeasts caused by the Candida fungus and known as candidiasis . But not only in the vagina, it also serves as an antifungal in any part of the body: the mouth, throat, esophagus, abdomen, lungs, blood and other organs.

This medicine belongs to a class of antifungals known as triazoles. Triazoles are chemical compounds that cause the fungi that are causing the infection to grow more slowly, thereby stopping the infection.

In addition, it also serves to prevent this type of infection in patients whose immune system is weakened. In this case the defenses are lower and a fungal infection is more likely to appear. This is the case of some patients who are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, for example before a bone marrow transplant.

Fluconazole acts against Candida fungus infections, in all its species, but also against others such as Ryptococcus neoformans, Microsporum spp, Blastomyces dermatitis and Histoplasma capsulatum.

Some of the infections Fluconazole can treat are:

• Genital candidiasis : Candida fungus infection, either in the vagina or on the penis.
• Mucosal candidiasis : Candida fungus infection in the mucous membranes of the mouth or throat or associated with dental prostheses.
• Esophageal candidiasis .
• Candidiasis in other areas of the body: the Candida fungus can be located in the bloodstream and infect the heart, lungs or urinary tract.
• Skin infections: such as Onychomycosis (nail fungus), athlete’s foot, or ringworm.
• Cryptococcal meningitis: A fungal infection of the brain.
• Coccidioidomycosis: infection of the bronchopulmonary system.
• Cryptococcosis: infection that usually affects the lungs and appears in people with very low defenses.
• Blastomycosis: a rare disease caused by inhalation of the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis.
• Pityriasis versicolor: infection on the skin, also called white cloth.

It can also be prescribed to prevent the recurrence of infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, infections of the mucous membranes, reduce the repetitions of Candida or prevent the spread of the Candida fungus.

Fluconazole doses are different depending on the infection. It comes in tablets with liquid-filled capsules and is taken orally . It is not necessary to be fasting or accompany it with meals.

Usually it is taken once a day and depending on the infection it will be taken only once or for several weeks. Its duration will always depend on the type of condition and will always be indicated by the doctor. Always follow their instructions regarding taking Fluconazole.

Here are some recommendations on how to take Fluconazole :

• For best use, first shake the capsule before ingesting it so that it mixes evenly.
• It takes effect after a few days, so if you do not see an improvement or the symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.
• Fluconazole should be taken for as long as the doctor indicates and never stop taking it before . In this case, the infection could reappear because it was not treated properly.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the dose is very close to the next dose, it is better to let it pass and wait to take the next capsule.
• Normally a dose of 150 mg a day (one capsule a day) is used, but in skin infections it is usually reduced, being this one tablet per week for about 2 to 6 weeks.
• When it comes to a more serious situation, Fluconazon injection is used intravenously, which is more direct.

Although Fluconazole is a fairly well tolerated drug, it also has side effects, like other antibiotics. In this case, the adverse effects that it may have are abdominal pain , nausea or even diarrhea . It may also cause headaches . Skin reactions may occur in HIV-positive patients. Although they are normal side effects, consult your doctor if they become more serious or if they are constant.

In patients with kidney failure, it is very important to adjust the dose to avoid poisoning. Excessive doses can cause psychiatric disorders such as paranoia or hallucinations. That is why it is very important to follow the indications regarding the established dose and never exceed it.

Contraindications of Fluconazole

In addition, Fluconazole is contraindicated in some patients, such as those who may have possible allergies or hypersensitivity to Fluconazole or any of its components. It should also be avoided in pregnancy , and especially in the first trimester. It can cause malformations in the fetus. It is also not advisable to take it during the rest of the pregnancy, it is best to consult with the doctor. During the lactation stage it is also contraindicated since it passes through milk and can affect the baby.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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