Fluconazole

The drug fluconazole may be administered orally or intravenously, and its use is indicated in:

• systemic candidiasis and cryptococcal infections
• acute or recurrent vaginal candidiasis
• mucosal candidiasis
• prevention of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS

Caution must be exercised in the following settings:

• renal impairment
• pregnancy - toxic in high doses in animal studies
• children - use only if no other treatment available. - do not use if under 1 year of age.

Side-effects of fluconazole include:

• nausea
• occasionally abnormalities of liver enzymes and rash
• abdominal discomfort with diarrhoea and flatulence

Clinicians should be aware of potential problems, such as resistance, drug interactions, and cost.

Reference

1. British National Formulary (BNF); Fluconazole. NICE Evidence Services (UK access only)