Fluconazole

Fluconazole 150 mg | Oral Treatment for Yeast Infections

What is this medication?

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by yeast, most commonly infections caused by Candida. In travel medical kits, it is typically included to treat vaginal yeast infections that may develop during travel. Fluconazole works by stopping the growth of yeast organisms so the infection can clear.

Unlike many over-the-counter yeast infection treatments that are applied vaginally, fluconazole is taken as an oral tablet. Many people prefer this option because it is simple to take and does not require topical treatment.

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when yeast that normally lives in the body begins to grow excessively. Many women will experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection, including:

  • recent antibiotic use

  • pregnancy

  • diabetes

  • use of birth control pills

  • tight or non-breathable clothing

  • hormonal changes

  • a weakened immune system

This medication should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.

    • Store medication at room temperature in a cool, dry place

    • Keep medications in their original labeled packaging

    • Carry medications in your carry-on bag when flying

    • Avoid exposing medications to excessive heat or moisture

    • Keep medications out of reach of children

    • Only begin treatment if symptoms clearly match those previously discussed with your provider

When should this medication be used?

Your provider may recommend using this medication if you develop symptoms consistent with a vaginal yeast infection while traveling, such as:

  • vaginal itching

  • burning during urination

  • redness or irritation of the vaginal area

  • soreness or discomfort

  • thick white vaginal discharge often described as “cottage cheese-like”

Fluconazole may also be prescribed for other fungal infections depending on provider guidance.

This medication should only be used when symptoms closely match a previously diagnosed yeast infection. Some symptoms that seem like a yeast infection may actually be caused by other conditions such as bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, or skin irritation that require different treatment.

If symptoms feel unusual, severe, or significantly different from previous yeast infections, medical evaluation is recommended before taking this medication.

  • Follow the directions on your prescription label.

    • Take the medication exactly as directed by your provider

    • Take the tablet by mouth

    • Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water

    • The medication may be taken with or without food

    • Do not take more than the prescribed amount

    • Do not use the medication for conditions other than the one it was prescribed for

    • Do not share this medication with others

    For many uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections, symptoms may begin improving within 24 to 48 hours. However, itching, discharge, redness, or irritation may take several days to fully resolve.

    When using this medication while traveling, monitor symptoms carefully.

    Seek medical care if:

    • symptoms do not begin improving within about 3 days

    • symptoms are not resolved within about 7 days

    • symptoms return shortly after treatment

    • symptoms worsen after taking the medication

  • Fluconazole for yeast infections is typically a single-dose medication.

    If you forget to take your dose:

    • Take it as soon as you remember

    • If it is close to the time you were supposed to take it, take the dose when remembered

    • Do not take multiple doses at the same time

    If you are unsure how to adjust your schedule after a missed dose, contact your pharmacy or provider.

    • Some symptoms that appear to be a yeast infection may actually be caused by bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections, or other conditions requiring different treatment

    • Avoid using this medication repeatedly without medical evaluation if infections continue to occur

    • Use caution if you have liver, kidney, or heart conditions

    • This medication may affect heart rhythm in certain individuals

    • Monitor for signs of liver problems such as fatigue, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes

    • Avoid alcohol if advised by your provider, especially if you have liver concerns

    • If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, consult a healthcare provider before use

  • Fluconazole can interact with many medications. Tell your provider about everything you are taking.

    Common interaction categories include:

    • blood thinners

    • diabetes medications

    • certain antibiotics

    • heart rhythm medications

    • seizure medications

    • transplant medications

    • cholesterol-lowering medications

    • certain psychiatric medications

    • opioid pain medications

    These interactions may increase the risk of side effects or alter how medications work.

Important Safety Information

  • Fluconazole may cause serious side effects in some individuals.

    Most serious warnings may include:

    • severe allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

    • liver problems that may cause fatigue, nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes

    • serious skin reactions including blistering, peeling skin, or severe rash

    • abnormal heart rhythm in certain individuals

    • serious medication interactions that increase the risk of side effects

  • Do not take this medication if you:

    • are allergic to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfonamide (“sulfa”) medications, or any ingredient in the medication

    • have a history of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia caused by sulfonamides or trimethoprim

    • have severe liver damage

    • have severe kidney disease when kidney function cannot be monitored

    • have certain types of anemia caused by folate deficiency

    • are pregnant near term or breastfeeding infants younger than two months

    • are taking dofetilide

  • Tell your provider if you:

    • have allergies to fluconazole or other antifungal medications

    • have liver disease

    • have kidney disease

    • have heart problems or abnormal heart rhythm

    • have low potassium levels

    • are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

    • have diabetes

    • experience frequent yeast infections

    • have never previously had a yeast infection

    • take other prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements

    Fluconazole may interact with many medications, including:

    • diabetes medications

    • blood thinners

    • certain blood pressure medications

    • seizure medications

    • transplant medications

    • some antibiotics

    • certain psychiatric medications

    • opioid pain medications

    • cholesterol-lowering medications

    • certain HIV medications

    Because of these potential interactions, your provider should review your medication list before this medication is used.

  • Common side effects may include:

    • headache

    • nausea or upset stomach

    • abdominal pain

    • diarrhea

    • dizziness

    • changes in taste

    Most common side effects are mild, but contact your provider if they become severe or persistent.

    You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

  • Stop taking the medication and seek medical care immediately if you experience:

    • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

    • difficulty breathing or swallowing

    • severe rash, blistering, or peeling skin

    • yellowing of the skin or eyes

    • severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting

    • dark urine or unusual fatigue

    • rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

    • fainting or severe dizziness

  • Symptoms of fluconazole overdose may include:

    • nausea or vomiting

    • stomach pain or discomfort

    • diarrhea

    • dizziness or headache

    • abnormal liver function

    • changes in heart rhythm (irregular or rapid heartbeat)

    • seizures (rare but serious)

    • hallucinations or unusual behavior (reported in rare cases of significant overdose)

    If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

  • Fluconazole does not require any special disposal procedures beyond standard medication safety practices.

    Do not keep unused medication for future use unless instructed by your provider

    • Do not share this medication with others

    • Dispose of unused or expired medication through a local drug take-back program when available

    • If no take-back program is available, follow FDA guidance for safe disposal:

      • mix the medication with an undesirable substance (such as coffee grounds or cat litter)

      • place the mixture in a sealed container or bag

      • dispose of it in household trash

    Do not flush fluconazole down the toilet unless specifically instructed.

Disclaimers

  • This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.

  • This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.

    This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Fluconazole. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.

    Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.

    Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.

    Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.

    Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.

    Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.

    Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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