Fluconazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Practical Tips

Fluconazole is a common antifungal pill used for yeast infections in the mouth, throat, and genitals, and for some systemic fungal infections. It works by stopping fungi from making a key compound in their cell walls, which slows their growth and helps your immune system clear the infection.

Common uses include a single 150 mg dose for vaginal yeast infections, short courses for oral thrush, and longer treatment for deeper or recurrent fungal infections. Doctors may prescribe higher or repeated doses for serious infections or for people with weakened immune systems.

How to take fluconazole

Take fluconazole exactly as your doctor says. You can take it with or without food. For a one‑time dose, swallow the tablet whole. For longer courses, keep taking it until your prescriber tells you to stop—even if you feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose; don’t double up.

If symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection don’t improve within 48–72 hours after a single dose, check in with your healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms may mean a different problem or a resistant strain that needs another treatment.

Safety and interactions

Fluconazole can cause nausea, stomach pain, headache, and a rash. Rare but serious problems include liver injury and severe skin reactions. If you have yellowing skin, dark urine, constant nausea, or a spreading rash, stop the drug and get medical help.

Fluconazole interacts with many medications because it blocks liver enzymes that clear drugs. Important examples are warfarin (can raise bleeding risk), some statins like simvastatin (raises muscle risk), certain benzodiazepines, and some antidiabetic drugs. Always tell your doctor about all meds you take, including herbal remedies.

Avoid using fluconazole in pregnancy unless your doctor says it’s necessary. Single low doses for vaginal infection are sometimes debated; high or repeated doses are generally avoided. Breastfeeding advice varies—ask your clinician.

People with liver disease should use fluconazole cautiously and often need blood tests to check liver enzymes. For long courses, clinicians commonly monitor liver function and watch for side effects.

Resistant infections are more likely after repeated or underdosed treatment, especially in people with immune suppression. If you have frequent yeast infections, ask about testing to confirm the cause and consider maintenance options or lifestyle checks like diabetes control.

Bottom line: fluconazole is effective and easy to use for many fungal infections, but it’s not risk‑free. Follow your prescriber’s instructions, report side effects, and get checked if symptoms don’t improve. That keeps treatment safe and working well.

Quick tips: store tablets in a cool dry place out of reach of children; don’t share your prescription; tell customs and airline med rules if you travel with medicines. If you start new symptoms like fast heartbeat, fainting, or severe diarrhea, call your doctor right away. For recurrent problems ask about culture testing and longer maintenance plans—these steps help avoid unnecessary repeats and resistance. Stay informed always.