Description
How it works
Fluconazole belongs to a group of medicines called triazole antifungals. It works by:
- Blocking an enzyme that fungi need to make their cell membrane
- Weakening the fungal cell wall, causing the fungus to stop growing and eventually die
- Targeting Candida and certain other fungi that commonly cause thrush and skin or nail infections
Because it circulates in the bloodstream, fluconazole treats infections inside the body as well as in the genital area, unlike creams which only work where they are applied.
Who it may be suitable for
Fluconazole 150 mg capsules are commonly used in adults for:
- Vaginal thrush (vaginal candidiasis) – especially when a single oral dose is preferred instead of vaginal creams or pessaries
- Male genital thrush (candidal balanitis)
- Recurrent vaginal thrush (4 or more episodes per year) – as part of a longer course recommended by a clinician
Under specialist care, fluconazole can also be used for other fungal infections (such as some skin, nail, oral and severe internal infections), often at different doses and for longer periods.
Who should not take Fluconazole 150 mg Capsules
Do not take this medicine if you:
- Are allergic to fluconazole, other azole antifungals (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole) or any of the capsule ingredients
- Are taking medicines that can affect the heart’s rhythm and are broken down by CYP3A4, such as:
- Cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, astemizole, terfenadine
- Have previously had a serious reaction to fluconazole (e.g. severe liver problems, serious skin reaction)
Use with extra care / medical supervision
Tell a doctor or pharmacist before taking fluconazole if you:
- Have liver problems now or in the past
- Have kidney problems
- Have or have had heart rhythm problems, heart disease, or a family history of sudden cardiac death
- Have electrolyte disturbances (low potassium, magnesium or calcium)
- Are taking medicines that may interact with fluconazole (see below)
- Have a history of serious skin reactions to medicines
- Have alcohol misuse or other conditions that affect the liver
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy:
- Single 150 mg doses have not been shown to increase overall malformation risk, but some data suggest a small increase in certain birth defects, especially at higher cumulative doses.
- It should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary and advised by a doctor.
- Trying for a baby: after a single 150 mg dose, it is recommended to allow about 1 week before trying to conceive.
- Breastfeeding:
- Fluconazole passes into breast milk in similar amounts to the blood.
- Breastfeeding can usually continue after a single 150 mg dose.
- Breastfeeding is not recommended with repeated or high-dose courses.
Side Effects
Not everyone gets side effects, and many are mild and short-lived.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Headache
- Abdominal pain or stomach discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion, bloating or constipation
- Skin rash
- Raised liver enzymes in blood tests (usually symptomless)
Uncommon side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or feeling drowsy
- Dizziness, tingling or altered sensation
- Taste changes
- Dry mouth, flatulence
- Itching, hives, increased sweating
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness, malaise, fever
- Changes in blood tests (cholesterol, triglycerides, potassium)
Rare but serious side effects – get urgent medical help if you notice:
- Signs of serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):
- Sudden wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- Severe rash, flushing or collapse
- Signs of severe skin reactions, including:
- Widespread rash with blisters or peeling (Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS)
- Painful red lumps under the skin (erythema nodosum)
- Signs of liver problems:
- Persistent tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Signs of heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation / torsades de pointes):
- Fast, irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness, fainting or near-fainting spells
Stop the medicine and seek medical advice urgently if any of the above occur.
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Key points about Fluconazole 150 mg Capsules:
- Active ingredient: Fluconazole 150 mg
- Type of medicine: Triazole antifungal
- Form: Hard capsule, swallowed whole
- Contains lactose: each capsule contains lactose – if you have been told you have lactose intolerance or certain rare sugar absorption problems, speak to a clinician before use
- Kidney problems: fluconazole is cleared mainly by the kidneys – dose adjustment is usually needed for repeated doses, but not usually for a single 150 mg dose
- Liver monitoring: longer courses or high doses may require monitoring of liver function
- Driving and machinery: some people feel dizzy, tired or have seizures; if affected, do not drive or operate machinery
Important medicine interactions
Fluconazole can affect how other medicines work, and other medicines can affect fluconazole. It influences several liver enzymes (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4), so it can increase levels of many commonly used drugs.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking (or recently took):
- Warfarin or other blood thinners – increased bleeding risk; closer monitoring of INR/prothrombin time may be needed
- Sulfonylurea diabetes tablets (e.g. glibenclamide, glipizide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide) – risk of low blood sugar
- Certain heart or blood pressure medicines, e.g.
- Amiodarone
- Losartan and similar drugs
- Some antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
- Phenytoin, carbamazepine or other anti-epileptics
- Methadone
- Tacrolimus, ciclosporin, or other immunosuppressants
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (higher risk of side effects)
- Rifampicin, rifabutin (TB and some infections)
- Certain medicines for psoriasis, arthritis, cancer, HIV or hepatitis C
- Other medicines known to prolong the QT interval
This is not a full list – always check before starting or stopping any medicine, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
Directions
Always use exactly as directed on the pack or by your prescriber.
For thrush, Fluconazole 150 mg capsules are taken by mouth:
- Swallow the capsule whole with water
- You can take it with or without food
- Take one 150 mg capsule as a single dose for:
- Acute vaginal thrush
- Candidal balanitis (male thrush)
For recurrent vaginal thrush (4 or more episodes per year), a doctor may advise:
- 150 mg on Day 1, Day 4 and Day 7 (3 doses)
- Then 150 mg once weekly as maintenance, often for up to 6 months
Do not change your dose or duration without medical advice, especially if you are being treated for other types of fungal infection.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, worsen, or keep coming back, seek medical advice – you may need further tests or a different treatment.
Missed a dose?
For most thrush treatments, only one 150 mg capsule is needed.
- If you forgot to take it, take the capsule as soon as you remember.
- If your symptoms have already resolved and you are unsure whether to still take it, ask a healthcare professional.
For longer courses (e.g. weekly dosing for recurrent thrush):
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
- If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed capsule and take the next one at the usual time.
- Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed capsule.
If you miss several doses during a longer course, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about how to continue.
FAQs
What is Fluconazole 150 mg used for?
Fluconazole 150 mg is most commonly taken as a single oral capsule to treat vaginal or male genital thrush, though it may also be used for fungal infections of the mouth, skin, or nails under specialist guidance.
How quickly will it work for thrush?
Improvement in itching and soreness is often noticed within 24 hours, but complete resolution may take a few days; seek further advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve within three to four days.
Do I need more than one capsule?
One 150 mg capsule is usually sufficient for a typical episode of thrush, though recurrent infections may require a longer course as prescribed by a doctor, and you should never take extra doses without clinical approval.
Can my partner take it as well?
If both partners show symptoms of thrush, both may require treatment such as oral capsules or topical creams, and you should consult a professional to determine the most suitable option for your partner.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Fluconazole 150 mg?
Alcohol is not strictly forbidden, but because both alcohol and fluconazole are processed by the liver, it is sensible to limit consumption, especially if you have existing liver issues or take other medications affecting the liver.
Can I use thrush cream at the same time?
Yes, you can use vaginal or external thrush creams alongside the oral capsule to help relieve severe itching or soreness more quickly.
What if I keep getting thrush again and again?
Recurrent thrush, defined as four or more episodes a year, may require a longer maintenance course of fluconazole and an investigation into underlying causes like diabetes or hormonal factors, so you should consult a clinician for a personalised plan.
Does Fluconazole 150 mg affect the contraceptive pill?
At standard doses for thrush, fluconazole does not reduce the effectiveness of the combined pill, but absorption could still be impacted if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhoea, in which case you should follow missed-dose protocols.
Is a single 150 mg capsule safe in pregnancy?
A single 150 mg dose is not routinely recommended during pregnancy as topical treatments are generally preferred; you must speak to a clinician before use if you are or think you might be pregnant due to potential risks associated with higher doses.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience signs of a serious reaction such as breathing difficulties, facial swelling, severe blistering rash, jaundice, irregular heartbeat, or unusual bruising while using a product from 24 HR Pharmacy.
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