Fluconazole

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Aug 01, 2022

Uses


Fluconazole Uses

Fluconazole is a prescription antifungal medicine that is used to treat infections caused by various types of fungi, including: 

  • Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections of the vagina)
  • Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush)
  • Esophageal candidiasis (fungal infection of the esophagus or food pipe)
  • Bloodstream or systemic Candida infections
  • Urinary tract infections caused by Candida
  • Cryptococcal meningitis (fungal infection of meninges (membranes) in the brain)
  • To prevent fungal infections in people undergoing bone marrow transplantation

There may be other uses of this medicine — your healthcare professional or pharmacist can provide medical advice and give you more fluconazole drug information

Fluconazole Mechanism of Action

Fluconazole works by disrupting the growth of fungi. 

Fluconazole Doses

Fluconazole is available as 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg tablets as well as 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL oral suspension. The dose of fluconazole depends on the condition being treated. 

Vaginal Candidiasis: A single dose of fluconazole 150 mg tablet.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: A 200 mg dose on the first day, followed by a 100 mg tablet once daily for at least 2 weeks. 

Esophageal Candidiasis: A 200 mg dose on the first day, followed by a 100 mg tablet once daily for a minimum of 3 weeks. Doses up to 400 mg/day may be used.

Systemic Candida Infections: Doses of up to 400 mg daily are used. 

Candida Urinary Tract Infections: Daily doses of 50 mg to 200 mg are used. 

Cryptococcal Meningitis: A 400 mg dose on the first day, followed by a 200 mg tablet once daily for 10 to 12 weeks. 

Prophylaxis: In patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation, the recommended fluconazole dosage to prevent fungal infections is 400 mg once daily. 

The dose of fluconazole in children is based on the child’s body weight. Adults and children who have compromised kidney function may need to take a reduced dose of this medicine.