Fluconazole (Diflucan) Capsules

Fluconazole (brand name Diflucan) is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat vaginal thrush, a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. It also treats various other fungal infections, but less commonly. At euroClinix, it is available as Fluconazole 150 mg oral capsules.

Diflucan was first marketed by Pfizer in 1988 and has since become one of the most widely used antifungal medications across Europe due to its high rate of effectiveness and convenient single-dose treatment. When taking Diflucan for thrush, it is either taken as a single dose or, in the case of oral thrush, daily for 7-30 days.

Diflucan and Fluconazole are medically equivalent, meaning they contain the same active ingredient and produce the same effect. The main difference between them is the price, with generics generally being much cheaper, and the manufacturer.

At euroClinix, we prescribe Diflucan and its generic form, Fluconazole, specifically to treat genital thrush.

Can Fluconazole treat oral thrush?

Yes, this medication can treat both oral and genital thrush. However, the dosage required for each condition differs. Pay attention to the treatment course your doctor prescribes when starting treatment.

Fluconazole works by killing the fungal cells responsible for your infection.

It does this by blocking the production of ergosterol, a key compound that protects fungal cells. Without enough ergosterol, the cell walls develop holes, causing the fungi to leak out and die. This weakens the fungal cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected.

Within 24-48 hours, symptoms like itching and irritation should be eased, and within 7 days, the infection should be completely cleared.

Taking Fluconazole for thrush can offer many health benefits:

Clinical studies have found Fluconazole to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for thrush.

Fluconazole vs Clotrimazole: which is better?

One study involving 150 women with vaginal thrush found Fluconazole to be more effective than Clotrimazole. Here are the key findings:

• Complete cure - Fluconazole worked in 88% of women, compared to 72% for Clotrimazole.
• Partial or complete cure - Fluconazole helped 92% of women, while Clotrimazole helped 72%.

This clinical data supports the efficacy of Fluconazole as a treatment for thrush.

Fluconazole tablets or capsules are versatile antifungal treatments used to treat many different infections. When you complete an online consultation with euroClinix, our doctors can determine whether this medication is safe and suitable for you.

Who can take it

This medication can be taken for the following conditions*:

• Genital thrush
• Oral thrush
• Cryptococcal meningitis (a fungal infection of the brain and spinal cord)
• Coccidioidomycosis (a fungal infection in your lungs)
• Fungal skin and nail infections

*At euroClinix, we only prescribe Fluconazole for genital thrush. For treatment of the other conditions mentioned, visit your local GP.

Who cannot take it?

Do not take Fluconazole if you are allergic to any ingredient found in this medication.

Cautions

If any of the following apply, tell one of our doctors in your consultation:

• You suffer from liver or kidney problems
• You suffer from heart disease
• You have abnormal levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood
• You develop severe skin reactions
• You experience long-lasting fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, or abdominal pain - this could be a sign of adrenal (hormone) insufficiency

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our medical team will evaluate whether this treatment is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

To use Fluconazole tablets or capsules correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.

When taking your capsules, make sure to swallow them whole with a glass of water.

Dosage

At euroClinix, only one dose of Fluconazole is available to treat genital thrush: 150 mg. Here is some information about the usual treatment course prescribed for other conditions.

It is important to complete the course for the entire time your doctor prescribes. Stopping treatment early can risk the infection coming back.

When do I take it?

If taking a single dose, take it when you feel most comfortable doing so.

If taking Fluconazole daily, take your capsule at the same time every day to ensure a steady flow of the active ingredient in your body throughout treatment.

For genital thrush or oral thrush, your infection should clear up, and symptoms should subside within 7 days.

The time Fluconazole takes to work varies from person to person. If your infection hasn’t healed within this time, consult your doctor so they can determine why and start you on a course that does.

While effective on its own, making some changes to your lifestyle can support treatment and increase effectiveness.

Iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and red meat (in moderation) can increase energy levels and ease side effects. Include these foods alongside a balanced diet to support your body during treatment

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Taking this medication can produce side effects.

How long do Fluconazole side effects last?

Most side effects are mild and should only last a few days, but some may persist longer. If side effects don’t go away, talk to your doctor for personalised advice.

How to manage side effects

If side effects persist or interrupt your lifestyle, consider the following:

• Take your capsule with food - this can help relieve nausea, headache, and vomiting.
• Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water, not just when you take your capsule, but throughout the day. This can ease headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth.
• Rest and avoid triggers - getting enough rest can help with most side effects. Avoid caffeine and alcohol if you have trouble sleeping.
• Maintain a balanced diet - iron-rich foods can support red blood cell production, and fibre-rich foods help prevent constipation.

Most side effects are mild and can be eased by drinking enough water and taking your capsules with food. However, if you experience jaundice, severe skin reactions, or loss of appetite, seek medical attention immediately

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

For more detailed information, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

The following medications cannot be taken with Fluconazole as they can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems:

• Astemizole or Terfenadine (antihistamines)
• Pimozide (Tourette’s medication)
• Cisapride (used for stomach upsets)
• Quinidine (used for an irregular heartbeat)
• Erythromycin (antibiotic)

Cautions

These medications are not necessarily contraindicated, but the safety of treatment will need to be determined in your consultation if any of the following apply:

• Warfarin (blood thinner) - can increase the risk and intensity of bleeding.
• Alfentanil and Fentanyl (used as an anaesthetic) - can make breathing problems worse.
• Amphotericin B, Voriconazole (antifungals) - can cause kidney damage.
• Rifampicin, Rifabutin (antibiotics) - can make Fluconazole less effective.
• Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) - can induce drowsiness and breathing issues.
• Carbamazepine, Phenytoin (epilepsy medication) - increases the risk of side effects.
• Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline (antidepressants) - can induce drowsiness, dry mouth and increase the risk to your heart.
• Abrocitinib (eczema medication) - increases the risk of nausea, headaches, and infections.

This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the interactions checker on the BNF website

Follow these guidelines to safely store your medicine:

• Store below 30°C in the original packaging
• Keep away from direct heat and moisture
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date

Disposal

Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, you cannot buy Fluconazole over the counter. This medication can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Prescriptions are necessary because they:

• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Ordering Fluconazole online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, swift approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery make ordering quick and convenient.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Fluconazole at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

If Fluconazole isn’t right for you, there are other treatments at euroClinix that might be better suited to your needs.