Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine you’ve probably heard of under the brand name Diflucan. Doctors commonly use it for yeast infections—vaginal yeast, oral thrush, and some skin or nail fungal infections. It also treats more serious fungal infections when stronger treatment is needed.
Knowing what it treats and how it works helps you spot when it’s the right option. Fluconazole blocks fungal growth by stopping fungi from making a key cell-wall component. That makes fungi weaker and easier for the immune system to clear.
Dosing depends on the infection. For a vaginal yeast infection, a single 150 mg tablet is a common prescription. Oral thrush or skin infections might need daily doses for 1–2 weeks. Serious systemic infections often require higher doses and medical monitoring.
Take it with or without food. Swallow tablets whole and follow the exact schedule your doctor gives. Don’t skip doses and don’t double up if you miss one—ask your prescriber or pharmacist what to do.
Most people tolerate fluconazole well. Common side effects are nausea, stomach pain, headache, and mild dizziness. Rare but serious problems include liver inflammation and severe skin reactions. If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent abdominal pain, or a spreading rash, stop the drug and get medical help right away.
Fluconazole interacts with several medications. It can raise levels of warfarin (blood thinner), some statins, certain benzodiazepines, and methadone. Rifampin and some anticonvulsants can lower fluconazole levels. Always tell your provider about every medicine and supplement you take.
Avoid high-dose fluconazole in pregnancy unless a doctor says it’s necessary. Breastfeeding mothers should check with a clinician—small amounts pass into breast milk.
Resistance can develop if fluconazole is used often or without a proper diagnosis. If infections come back quickly, your doctor may order tests and consider different antifungals.
Want to buy fluconazole online? Use caution. Only buy from pharmacies that require a prescription, show a real address and phone number, and have clear licensing information. Look for an HTTPS site, readable customer reviews on independent sites, and a licensed pharmacist you can contact. Extremely low prices or sites that offer to prescribe without questions are red flags.
If you get medicine by post, check packaging, expiration date, and tablet appearance before use. Store tablets in a cool, dry place unless the leaflet says otherwise.
When should you see a doctor? If symptoms are severe, if an infection doesn’t improve after treatment, or if you develop signs of liver trouble or a serious rash, seek medical care. For recurring or unusual infections, lab testing helps pick the right drug.
Alternatives include topical azoles like clotrimazole or nystatin for skin and vaginal infections, and other systemic antifungals for resistant or serious infections. A clinician will recommend the best option based on the type and location of the infection.
Keep it simple: use fluconazole only when it fits the diagnosis, follow dosing instructions, watch for side effects, and buy from a reputable source.
