Common Questions About Fluconazole

NHS medicines information on common questions about fluconazole.

How does fluconazole work?

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine. It works by killing the fungus (or yeast) that is causing the infection.

The medicine kills fungus by making holes in the fungus's cell membrane, so that the contents leak out. This treats the infection and allows your symptoms to get better.

If you're taking fluconazole to prevent an infection, the medicine kills any fungus as it starts to appear.

When will I feel better?

Fluconazole is used for many different fungal infections.

If you have vaginal thrush, balanitis or oral thrush, your symptoms should be better within 7 days of taking fluconazole.

If you have a serious fungal infection, ask your doctor how long it will take for fluconazole to start to work. It may be 1 to 2 weeks before it reaches its full effect.

What if it does not work?

Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of taking fluconazole for vaginal thrush, balanitis or oral thrush.

Your doctor may ask you to take it for longer, or they may prescribe a different antifungal treatment.

If your symptoms get worse at any time, speak to your doctor.

Are there any long-term side effects?

You usually take fluconazole for a short time to clear an infection.

If you have a serious infection, you may need to take fluconazole long term. It's safe to take for a long time if your doctor has advised you to.

If you take fluconazole long term, your doctor may ask you to have regular blood tests.

Are there other medicines for fungal infections?

There are many different antifungal medicines. Some are available to buy from a pharmacy, others are available on prescription.

They can come as creams, gels, sprays, pessaries (soft tablets you put into your vagina), tablets, capsules, liquid, or injections.

Your doctor or a pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you, based on your condition.

Other antifungal medicines include:

• clotrimazole
• econazole
• fenticonazole
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• miconazole
• griseofulvin
• terbinafine

Will it affect my contraception?

Fluconazole is not likely to affect your contraception, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception.

If taking fluconazole makes you sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.

Find out more:

• What to do if you're sick or have diarrhoea when taking the combined pill
• What to do if you're sick or have diarrhoea when taking the progestogen-only pill

There have been some reports of breakthrough bleeding, known as spotting, when people take fluconazole and the combined pill together. It is not known whether this is caused by taking fluconazole. If you get any breakthrough bleeding while using oral contraception, speak to your doctor.

Some studies have shown that there's a small chance that fluconazole could increase the levels of hormones in your body when using the combined pill. You can continue taking fluconazole with your oral contraception, but if you get any side effects, such as feeling sick or tender breasts, speak to your doctor.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Yes, you can usually drive or ride a bike while taking fluconazole.

In rare cases, taking fluconazole can make you feel dizzy or light-headed. If you're affected, do not drive or cycle until this feeling goes away.

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking fluconazole. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

Can I drink alcohol while taking fluconazole?

You can drink alcohol while taking fluconazole.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

No, you can eat or drink normally while taking fluconazole.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.