What fluconazole is for

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat conditions such as:

yeast infections (candida), which most commonly cause thrush in your vagina, penis or mouth
skin infections, such as pityriasis versicolor
fungal nail infections
fungal infections in your blood or other parts of your body

Fluconazole can also help you stop getting fungal infections if they keep coming back, or if you're more at risk of getting them because you have a weakened immune system.

How to take fluconazole

Fluconazole usually comes as capsules or a liquid you swallow (oral suspension).

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you’re taking it and whether your symptoms come back. Some people may only need a single (one-off) dose, while others may need to take it for several weeks or months, or longer.

If you're taking it for thrush, you'll usually only need to take a single (one-off) dose. Your symptoms should improve after 2 days. Speak to a doctor if you still have symptoms after 7 days.

When taking fluconazole:

swallow capsules whole, with a drink of water
for liquid fluconazole, shake the bottle well and use the syringe or cup that comes with it to make sure you measure the correct dose
it's best to take it at the same time each day
you can take it with or without food

Important: Use contraception

You must use contraception while taking fluconazole and for one week after stopping taking it if there's a chance you could get pregnant. This is because the medicine could be harmful to your baby or increase the chance of a miscarriage.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice about what type of contraception may be the most effective for you.

If you miss a dose of fluconazole

If you forget to take a dose of fluconazole, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much fluconazole

Taking an extra dose of fluconazole is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible if:

you've taken more fluconazole than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription

If you're unable to speak to a pharmacist or you took too much of your medicine on purpose, call NHS 111 for advice.

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If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the fluconazole packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of fluconazole

Like all medicines, fluconazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of fluconazole include:

stomach pain or discomfort
diarrhoea
headaches
feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
a rash

Fluconazole will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but some people can feel dizzy after taking it. If this happens to you, wait until the dizziness stops.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.

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Serious side effects

Fluconazole can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of fluconazole include:

an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
a hypersensitivity reaction – causing symptoms such as a severe rash, high temperature (you may feel hot, cold or shivery) and swollen glands
a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) – causing flu-like symptoms, a rash, blisters and sores
liver problems – causing symptoms such as itchy skin, darker pee than normal, pale poo and yellowing of the eyes or skin (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're taking fluconazole and think you're having a hypersensitivity reaction, severe skin reaction or anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of fluconazole.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take fluconazole

Most adults and children can take fluconazole, but it's not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from fluconazole or other antifungal medicine
you have liver or kidney problems
you have heart problems, including heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
you have high or low levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium in your blood
you have porphyria, a rare blood condition

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take or use it.

Breastfeeding and fluconazole

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Fluconazole can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.

If you're taking fluconazole while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and fluconazole

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking fluconazole if you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant. They may suggest taking a different medicine.

Fluconazole is not usually recommended in pregnancy but may be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Find out more about taking fluconazole for thrush during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking fluconazole with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with fluconazole.

This includes:

some types of antibiotic, such as erythromycin or rifampicin
medicines for high blood pressure, such as nifedipine or losartan
medicines to prevent blood clots (anticoagulants), such as warfarin
some types of antidepressant, such as such as escitalopram, citalopram, amitriptyline or nortriptyline
medicines to help lower cholesterol, such as statins

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can take it.

Fluconazole - Common brands: Canesten