How long does it take for fluconazole to work?  

How long does it take for fluconazole to work?

Fluconazole is a prescription-only medication. It comes in the form of a pill or a suspension that you take orally. Fluconazole oral tablet is available as a generic as well as a brand-name medicine under the name Diflucan.

It’s a medication that’s used to prevent and treat candidiasis and other fungi infections. If you have candidiasis or any other fungi infection and are about to start taking it, then you may be interested in learning how long fluconazole takes to work.

Continue reading this article to learn how long fluconazole takes to work.

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug. It’s used to treat infections brought on by many types of fungus. Infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, genital area, and blood can affect any organ of the body.

Candida, a yeast, is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections. Fluconazole is used to treat a variety of candida infections, including: Infections in your blood (systemic infections) or elsewhere in your body, such as vaginal thrush, skin irritation on the head of the penis (balanitis), and thrush in the mouth (oral thrush) in men and women.

It is also used to prevent fungal infection in persons with weakened immune systems as a result of cancer therapy, bone marrow transplantation, or disorders like AIDS.

Fluconazole is also used to treat cryptococcal meningitis, a type of brain infection. Cryptococcus is the fungus that causes this.

How does fluconazole work?

Fluconazole belongs to the triazole antifungals class of medicines. A drug class is a group of pharmaceuticals that all operate in the same way. These medicines are frequently used to treat illnesses that are similar to each other.

It acts by preventing the fungus Candida and Cryptococcus from reproducing. This medicine aids in the recovery of persons who have been infected with these fungi. It aids in the prevention of candidiasis in persons who are at a higher risk of infection.

How long does it take for fluconazole to work?

Fluconazole is a fungicide that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections. If you have vaginal thrush, balanitis, or oral thrush, take fluconazole for 7 days and your symptoms should improve.

Fungi usually have a slow reproduction rate, and hence it takes a relatively long time for fungal infections to become apparent. When it comes to treating fungal infections with fluconazole, how long it takes for it to work depends on the severity of the condition.

Very complicated infections may require a longer time for you to start seeing any significant improvement in your symptoms. On the other hand, acute, mild or uncomplicated infections will take only a few days to see improvements.

Hence for uncomplicated infections, fluconazole can take about two to three days to begin working (reduction in symptoms) and the infection may be treated in about a week or more.

Ask your doctor how long it will take fluconazole to start working if you have a serious fungal infection. It could take up to two weeks for it to take full effect.

What happens if it doesn’t work?

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

Your doctor may advise you to continue taking fluconazole for a longer period of time or prescribe a different antifungal medication. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms worsen at any point.

Who can take fluconazole and who shouldn’t?

Fluconazole is safe for most adults and children. It can also be given to children. However, it is not a drug that is appropriate for everyone. Before taking it, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you have:

• kidney or liver problems
• a rare, inherited blood disorder called acute porphyria
• had a blood test that showed you have abnormal levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium
• had an allergic reaction to fluconazole or any other medicines in the past
• heart disease, including heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)

When and how should you take fluconazole?

Follow your doctor’s instructions. If you buy fluconazole from a pharmacy, make sure to read the directions carefully.

Even if you feel better, it’s critical to finish the drug course. Fluconazole pills and liquid can be taken with or without food. Fluconazole pills come in three strengths: 50 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. With a glass of water, swallow the capsules whole. Take your pills at the same time every day if possible.

What happens if I don’t remember to take a dose?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it, unless your next dose is approaching. In this instance, simply skip the missed dose and go on with your regular schedule. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a double dose.

Setting an alarm to remind you of your doses can assist if you forget them frequently. You could also ask your pharmacist for suggestions on how to remember your medications in various ways.

What happens if I overdo it?

Taking one or two more pills by accident is unlikely to cause harm. However, you don’t have to intentionally take more than you are supposed to take. You should also report to your doctor if you ever find out that you mistakenly took more than the required dose.

Side effects

Fluconazole, like all drugs, can produce adverse effects, though not everyone experiences them.

Side effects that are common

More than 1 in 100 persons experience these typical adverse effects. If these side effects annoy you or do not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist:

• feeling of diarrhea or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
• rash
• headache
• stomach ache

Serious negative consequences

Serious adverse effects are uncommon, occurring in less than one out of every 100 persons.

If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right once.

• If your complexion turns yellow, the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or you have pale poo and dark urine, it could be a symptom of liver trouble.
• If you bruise easily or acquire infections more quickly, this could be an indication of a blood disorder.
• If your heartbeat is quicker or irregular, this could also be a sign of a blood disorder.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long am I going to take fluconazole?

It all depends on why you’re taking fluconazole and whether or not your illness is improving.

It could be a single dose or a course of treatment lasting weeks, months, or even years. If your doctor prescribes fluconazole, they will tell you how long you should take it.

Even if you start to feel better, keep taking your prescription until the course is completed. This will assist to prevent the illness from returning. If you want to stop taking it for any reason, talk to your doctor.

Is it safe to take fluconazole for a long time?

Fluconazole is normally used for a brief period of time to clear an illness. You may need to take fluconazole for a long time if you have a serious infection. If your doctor has suggested you take it for a long period, it is safe to do so.

If you take fluconazole for a long time, your doctor may request that you have blood tests on a regular basis.

Is it okay if I drink alcohol with it?

While taking fluconazole, you can consume alcohol.

Is there anything I should avoid eating or drinking?

Fluconazole does not affect your ability to eat or drink regularly.

Will it have an impact on my contraception?

Fluconazole is unlikely to interfere with your contraception, whether it’s the combination pill or emergency contraception.

Your contraceptive tablets may not protect you from pregnancy if you vomit or have severe diarrhea for more than 24 hours after taking fluconazole. To find out what to do, look at the pill package.

Summary

Fluconazole is a drug that is used to prevent and cure fungal and yeast infections. It belongs to the azole antifungals class of medicines.

Take fluconazole for 7 days if you have vaginal thrush, balanitis, or oral thrush, and your symptoms should improve. Complicated infections may however require a longer period for the fluconazole to work and treat you of the infection.

If you have a serious fungal infection, ask your doctor how long it will take fluconazole to start working. It could take up to two weeks for the full effect to kick in.