2023-04-30 17:53:38
Drug authorized on the market for several years, Fluconazole is a product used to treat several diseases. It can be used in both adults and children. What is Fluconazole? What is its dosage? What are its side effects and interactions? Discover our analysis in this article.
What to know regarding the drug Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is a drug from the family of antifungals, more precisely imidazoles, usable orally, it is also a generic of Triflucan, a very famous class of drug. According to studies, the product is used for the purpose of:
- treat generalized candidiasis and fungal infections of the skin. It can also treat mucous membranes such as vaginal, oral or esophageal candidiasis in the absence of local treatment;
- fight cryptococcal meningitis and prevent cases of recurrence in people who are at risk;
- also prevent recurrences linked to candidiasis, in this case in people suffering from HIV/AIDS or immunocompromised.
Fluconazole comes in several forms. It is :
- Fluconazole, capsule of 50 mg, available in a box of 7, sold at €12.04;
- Fluconazole, powder for oral suspension of 10 mg/ml, available in a bottle of ml, sold with a dosing syringe graduated from ml at approximately €12.04;
- Fluconazole, 100 mg capsule, available in a box of 7 and sold at €18.30;
- Fluconazole, 200 mg capsule, available in boxes of 7 and 30 and sold for €34.53 and €138.48 respectively.
Please note that the product is only sold by prescription. In addition, prices may vary depending on the pharmacist. However, whatever the form of the drug, social security reimburses it up to 65%.
What is the composition of Fluconazole?
Like most medicines, Fluconazole is made up of a substance active of which it bears the name. It is also composed of common excipients and other excipients. Common excipients include:
- titanium dioxide;
- colloidal anhydrous silica;
- sodium lauryl sulfate;
- l’indigotine ;
- lactose monohydrate;
- magnesium stearate;
- gelatin;
- citric acid monohydrate.
Apart from these, the components such as corn starch, glucose, gum arabic and xanthan gum can be added. These components thus mentioned are not found in the same quantity in the drug. Also, the list is not complete, it is best to contact your pharmacist or doctor in case of doubt.
Fluconazole: what is the dosage?
The dosage of Fluconazole usually varies depending on the disease to be treated and the category of person (adult, child). For information :
In adults
- cases of cryptococcosis: the dosage is 400 mg each day for a period of 6 to 8 weeks, then reduced to 200 mg per day;
- case of fungal infections of the skin: it is advisable to take a dose of 50 mg, once a day, or a dose of 150 to 300 mg, once a week;
- for invasive candidiasis: the dosage is 800 mg on the first day, then 400 mg per day for a period of two weeks;
- for oral candidiasis related to dental prostheses: the dosage to be observed is 50 mg per day for approximately 2 weeks;
- case of candidiasis of the mucous membranes: the usual dose is 200 to 400 mg for the first day, and 100 to 200 mg the following days. The duration of treatment depends on the stage of the infection;
To prevent relapses, the healthcare professional recommends taking a dose of 200 mg, in 3 doses each week.
In the child
In children, the dosage also depends on the severity of the disease and the weight of the latter. Since there are no fixed doses, it is up to the doctor to suggest the starting dose. This is usually due to the hypersensitivity of the children’s organism. Also, children should only take the medicine in oral solution.
What are the contraindications of Fluconazole?
Fluconazole should not be used in the following situations:
- allergy to the family of imidazoles or to the active substance of the drug;
- in association with a product composed of cisapride, quinidine, pimozide, erythromycin or astemizole;
- in children under 6 years of age (especially capsules);
These contraindications related to the use of Fluconazole must be absolutely respected to avoid side effects to a minimum.
Fluconazole: what are the side effects?
Fluconazole side effects are grouped by frequency. The effects are thus distinguished:
Frequent
- diarrhea ;
- nausea ;
- gastric pain;
- headaches ;
- increased transaminases;
- abdominal pain;
- the rash.
Infrequent
- the constipation ;
- dry mouth;
- tingling;
- dizziness;
- muscle pain.
We can also mention fatigue, anemia, decreased appetite, convulsions and difficult digestion which are also side effects that can occur infrequently.
Rares
- tremors;
- allergic reactions;
- hepatitis;
- hair loss
- heart rhythm disorders.
Some people may experience side effects other than those mentioned above. In any case, the ideal is to report any problem to the doctor during the treatment period.
What are the interactions of Fluconazole?
The combination of the drug Fluconazole with certain substances can cause interactions. To this end, it is important to know that the product should not be combined with medicines containing:
- de la quinidine (Quinimax);
- du pimozide;
- erythromycin.
It is also necessary to avoid combining Fluconazole with medicinal products containing cisapride, astemizole or terfenadine. This can lead to risks of torsades de pointes.
Furthermore, studies have revealed that the list of drugs that may interact with Fluconazole is not exhaustive. Thus, taking the advice of the pharmacist or his doctor is important to protect yourself.
Fluconazole: what are the warnings?
Before using Fluconazole, it is necessary to inform your doctor regarding your background or his illnesses to allow him to establish a better correlation of the products he can prescribe.
If it is a woman, she must mention whether she is pregnant or breastfeeding. Indeed, the use of the product at high doses in pregnant women, especially in prolonged treatment, can cause serious problems for the newborn. As for breastfeeding women, studies have revealed the passage of the drug into breast milk. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to take the drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Moreover, if your symptoms do not disappear following the treatment period, it is best to contact your doctor to find out what to do. Also, patients who frequently use dangerous machinery or who drive are not advised to use the drug.
Finally, it is strictly inadvisable to exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor. Indeed, cases of overdose, severe health problems may occur. If you take the drug in high doses, it is ideal to go to a health center to report the problem.
Fluconazole: precautions for use
First of all, a child should not take Fluconazole in the form of capsules. Then, whether in children, as in adults, the prescribed dose must be strictly observed. Also, it is important to know that the patient who suffers from kidney disease, liver disease, or torsades de pointes must favor medical monitoring during the period of his treatment. Similarly, when during treatment, an anomaly is noticed, it is best to immediately stop taking the product and inform the doctor.
With regard to the dosing syringe sold with the oral suspension, it is always necessary to think regarding rinsing following its use. The storage conditions must be respected to guarantee the undoubted effectiveness of the drug. In addition, it is advisable to keep the formula away from children to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Generally speaking, Fluconazole is a reputable drug for treating several diseases. This can have adverse consequences for some people. This is why it is advisable to seek the advice of a health professional before any use.
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