Fluconazole: Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know

When working with fluconazole, an oral antifungal medication that targets yeast and systemic fungal infections. Also known as Diflucan, it belongs to the triazole class and works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis. Candida infections, ranging from oral thrush to invasive candidemia, are among the most common conditions it treats. For patients who need a broader spectrum, itraconazole often serves as a next‑step alternative, especially for dermatophyte or blastomycosis cases. Understanding how fluconazole fits into the antifungal toolbox helps you pick the right drug, avoid resistance, and manage side effects effectively.

Key Benefits, Typical Dosage, and Safety Tips

Fluconazole’s biggest advantage is its oral availability and predictable blood levels, which means you can often treat infections at home without IV lines. Standard dosing for uncomplicated yeast infections is 150 mg once, while systemic infections may require 200‑400 mg daily for several weeks. Adjustments are crucial for patients with liver impairment or those on medications that affect CYP450 enzymes. Common side effects include mild headache, nausea, and occasional rash; serious liver toxicity is rare but warrants regular monitoring. If you experience persistent abdominal pain or jaundice, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

When fluconazole isn’t the best fit, clinicians turn to other agents. terbinafine is a good option for nail fungus, while amphotericin B remains the go‑to for life‑threatening systemic mycoses. Knowing the strengths and limits of each drug lets you or your doctor build a treatment plan that matches the infection type, severity, and patient health profile. Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into dosing charts, drug interactions, and real‑world patient experiences, giving you a complete picture of how to use fluconazole safely and effectively.