Flutas® Fluconazole Tablets

Description

Flutas® Fluconazole Tablet is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth, throat, vagina, and other parts of the body including fingernails and toenails. It kills fungi by destroying the fungal cell membrane thereby stopping the growth of fungi.

Flutas® Fluconazole Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. The dosage and length of treatment will depend on the condition you are being treated for. Sometimes this will be in cycles of use and non-use. To get the most benefit, take this medicine at evenly spaced times and continue using it until your prescription is finished, even if your symptoms disappear after a few days. If you stop treatment too early, the infection may return and if you miss doses you can increase your risk of infections that are resistant to further treatment. Tell your doctor if the infection does not get better or if it gets worse. Avoid taking antacid treatments within one hour before or two hours after you take it.

The most common side effects of this medicine include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, headache, and nausea. You could ask your doctor about ways of preventing or reducing these effects. Stop taking medicine and inform your doctor if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of the lips, throat, or face, swallowing or breathing problems, dizziness, and nausea.

Do not take Flutas 400mg Tablet if you are pregnant unless your doctor has told you to. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart failure, a weak immune system (including HIV/AIDS), kidney problems, or liver problems such as yellow skin (jaundice). This medicine may not be suitable for you. If your course of treatment is for more than a month, your doctor may monitor your liver function. This medicine may make you dizzy so do not drive or operate machines until it is safe.

Fluconazole – Overview

Fluconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication belonging to the azole class of drugs. It is used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida species, Cryptococcus, and other fungi affecting various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, vagina, bloodstream, and internal organs.

Fluconazole works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis, preventing the growth and replication of fungi. It is available in oral tablet, oral suspension, and intravenous (IV) formulations, making it effective for both mild and severe infections.

This medication is commonly sold under the brand name Diflucan and is widely used due to its high oral bioavailability, long half-life, and strong antifungal properties.

On-Label Uses of Fluconazole (FDA-Approved Uses)

1. Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

• Fluconazole is a first-line treatment for vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida albicans.
• A single 150 mg oral tablet is usually sufficient for mild cases, while recurrent infections may require weekly dosing for several months.

2. Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Candidiasis (Oral Thrush)

• Treats fungal infections in the mouth and throat, often seen in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
• Typical dose: 100–200 mg daily for 7–14 days.

3. Systemic Candidiasis (Invasive Candidiasis, Candidemia)

• Used for severe bloodstream or deep tissue fungal infections.
• Requires higher doses (400–800 mg daily) and prolonged treatment.

4. Cryptococcal Meningitis

• Treats Cryptococcus neoformans infections, particularly in HIV/AIDS patients.
• Given at high doses (400–800 mg daily) for weeks to months.

5. Fungal Skin and Nail Infections

• Used for tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), and onychomycosis (nail fungus).
• Requires long-term therapy (weeks to months) depending on severity.

Off-Label Uses of Fluconazole

1. Recurrent Vaginal Candidiasis (Chronic Yeast Infections)

• In women with frequent yeast infections, a weekly 150 mg dose for 6 months helps prevent recurrence.

2. Fungal Prophylaxis in Immunocompromised Patients

• Used in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and people with AIDS to prevent fungal infections.

3. Prostatitis (Fungal Prostate Infection)

• Some cases of chronic prostatitis involve Candida species, requiring Fluconazole treatment.

4. Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)

• Used to treat Malassezia-related skin infections, which cause discolored patches on the skin.

5. Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

• Occasionally used for fungal lung infections caused by Coccidioides species in endemic areas.

Why Fluconazole is Beneficial

• Broad-Spectrum Antifungal – Effective against Candida, Cryptococcus, and other fungi.
• High Oral Bioavailability – Absorbed well from the gut, making oral therapy as effective as IV in most cases.
• Single-Dose Convenience – One 150 mg dose often suffices for vaginal yeast infections.
• Long Half-Life (30 Hours) – Allows once-daily or weekly dosing, improving compliance.
• Penetrates the Central Nervous System (CNS) – Effective for cryptococcal meningitis and systemic fungal infections.
• Fewer Drug Interactions than Ketoconazole or Itraconazole – Safer for long-term use.

Precautions & Warnings

1. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Fluconazole or other azole antifungals.
• Pregnancy (High Doses) – Single-dose Fluconazole (150 mg) for yeast infections is considered low risk, but chronic use in high doses (≥400 mg daily) is linked to birth defects.
• Severe Liver Disease – Fluconazole is metabolized in the liver and may cause hepatotoxicity.
• QT Prolongation – Can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, especially in patients with underlying conditions or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs.

2. Warnings & Precautions

• Liver Toxicity – Rare cases of liver failure have been reported, requiring monitoring in long-term use.
• Skin Reactions – In rare cases, Fluconazole can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
• Kidney Function – Dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with renal impairment.
• Drug Interactions –
  • Warfarin – Increases bleeding risk.
  • Oral Hypoglycemics – Can enhance effects, leading to hypoglycemia.
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Midazolam) – Prolongs sedation.
  • Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Simvastatin) – Increases risk of muscle toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does Fluconazole work?

Fluconazole inhibits ergosterol synthesis, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, leading to fungal cell death.

2. How is Fluconazole taken?

• Vaginal Yeast Infections – Single 150 mg tablet, repeated in 3 days if needed.
• Oral Thrush – 100–200 mg daily for 7–14 days.
• Cryptococcal Meningitis – 400–800 mg daily for several weeks to months.
• Systemic Infections – 400–800 mg daily, depending on severity.

3. How long does Fluconazole take to work?

• Vaginal infections – Symptoms improve in 24–48 hours, full effect in 3–7 days.
• Oral infections – Relief typically occurs within 2–5 days.
• Systemic infections – May take weeks to months, depending on severity.

4. Can I drink alcohol while taking Fluconazole?

• Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe, but excessive alcohol may increase liver toxicity risk.

5. Is Fluconazole safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

• Single 150 mg dose is considered low risk during pregnancy.
• High doses (≥400 mg) should be avoided due to potential birth defects.
• Breastfeeding is generally safe, as only small amounts pass into breast milk.

6. What are the most common side effects?

• Nausea, headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Mild skin rash (if severe, discontinue use immediately).
• Elevated liver enzymes in long-term use.

7. What should I do if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the schedule. Do not double dose.

8. Can Fluconazole prevent yeast infections?

• Yes, weekly 150 mg Fluconazole for 6 months is prescribed for chronic recurrent yeast infections.

9. Can men take Fluconazole for yeast infections?

• Yes, men can take Fluconazole for Candida balanitis (yeast infection of the penis) or systemic candidiasis.

10. Does Fluconazole interact with birth control pills?

• Short-term use has minimal impact on birth control pills.
• Long-term use may slightly reduce effectiveness, so additional contraception may be recommended.

Conclusion

Fluconazole is a highly effective and well-tolerated antifungal medication used for treating yeast infections, systemic fungal infections, and fungal meningitis. Its single-dose treatment for vaginal candidiasis, strong oral absorption, and long half-life make it a preferred choice for fungal infections.

Patients should follow prescribed doses, avoid alcohol with high doses, and monitor for liver function in long-term use. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and dosage recommendations.