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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
FLUCONAZOLE - ORAL (flew-CON-uh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Diflucan
USES: This medication is an anti fungal agent used
to treat infections in certain areas of the body caused
by yeast and yeast-like organisms.
HOW TO USE: This
medication works best when the amount of medicine
in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this
by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals.
Take as directed since different conditions require
different methods of use. This drug is usually taken
once daily. Another dosing method involves taking
the drug for one week per month until treatment is
completed. Continue to take this medication until
the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms
disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication
too early may allow the yeast to continue to grow
resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This
medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite,
altered taste, diarrhea, nausea, headache or dizziness
during the first few days as your body adjusts to
the medication. If these symptoms persist or become
severe, inform your doctor. In the unlikely event
you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell
your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver
disease, kidney disease, any drug allergies. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. Fluconazole is excreted into breast milk.
The manufacturer of this drug recommends it not be
used while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before
you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of:
astemizole, cisapride, cimetidine, oral contraceptives,
cyclosporine, oral antidiabetic drugs, hydrochlorothiazide,
phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, certain benzodiazepines
(e.g., alprazolam, triazolam), tacrolimus, terfenadine,
theophylline, warfarin, zidovudine. Do not start or
stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include hallucinations and changes in behavior.
NOTES: This medication
has been prescribed for your current condition only.
Do not use it later for another infection or give
it to someone else. A different medicine may be needed.
MISSED DOSE: If you
miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it
is almost time for the next dose, take the scheduled
dose only. Do not "double-up" the dose to
catch up.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
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