DIFLUCAN

SPECIFICATION

50mg & 150Mg

Generics

Fluconazole

About

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. Its primary mode of action is the inhibition of fungal cytochrome P-450-mediated 14 alpha-lanosterol demethylation, an essential step in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis. The accumulation of 14 alpha-methyl sterols correlates with the subsequent loss of ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and may be responsible for the antifungal activity of fluconazole. Fluconazole has been shown to be more selective for fungal cytochrome P-450 enzymes than for various mammalian cytochrome P-450 enzyme systems.

Indication

It is used to treat infections caused by fungi and may also be used to stop you from getting a candidal infection. The most common cause of fungal infections is a yeast called Candida.

Side Effects

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are: - Headache - stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting - increases in blood tests of liver function - rash . Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) are: - Reduction in red blood cells which can make skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness - decreased appetite- inability to sleep, feeling drowsy - fit, dizziness, sensation of spinning, tingling, pricking or numbness, changes in sense of taste - constipation, difficult digestion, wind, dry mouth - muscle pain - liver damage and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) - wheals, blistering (hives), itching, increased sweating - tiredness, general feeling of being unwell, fever.

Drug Interactions

Rifampicin or rifabutin- alfentanil, fentanyl - amitriptyline, nortriptyline - amphotericin B, voriconazole - warfarin or similar medicines - benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam or similar medicines) - carbamazepine, phenytoin - nifedipine, isradipine, amlodipine, verapamil, felodipine and losartan (for hypertension- olaparib - ciclosporin, everolimus, sirolimus or tacrolimus - cyclophosphamide, vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine or similar medicines)- halofantrine- statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin or similar medicines) - methadone - celecoxib, flurbiprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, diclofenac (NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)) - oral contraceptives - prednisone (steroid) - zidovudine, also known as AZT; saquinavir (used in HIV-infected patients) -chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide or tolbutamide - theophylline - tofacitinib - tolvaptan used to treat hyponatremia- vitamin A (nutritional supplement) - ivacaftor - amiodarone - hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) - ibrutinib .

When not to Use

Do not take - If you are allergic to fluconazole, to other medicines you have taken to treat fungal infections or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine . The symptoms may include itching, reddening of the skin or difficulty in breathing - If you are taking astemizole, terfenadine (antihistamine medicines for allergies) - If you are taking cisapride (used for stomach upsets) ..

Precaution

Serious skin reactions including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in association with fluconazole treatment. Stop taking and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions.