Diflucan

Diflucan (fluconazole*) is an antifungal medication prescribed for various fungal and yeast infections, the most common being vaginal thrush (yeast infection).

Alternatively, Diflucan may be used to treat skin, brain, blood and urinary tract infections. If you need it for these uses, you should contact your regular doctor.

Diflucan is also a preventative medication for those with weakened immune systems, for example, individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

*Fluconazole is the generic version of Diflucan. A generic is an unbranded medication that shares the same ingredients and properties but is made by a different manufacturer.

The active ingredient in Diflucan, fluconazole, aids your immune system in killing fungal cells. It achieves this by preventing fungal cells from converting a substance called lanosterol into another called ergosterol, which is a vital part of the cell membranes. With incomplete membranes, the contents of cells begin to leak out, killing them.

How long does Diflucan take to work?

It is important to remember that everybody reacts differently to medications. However, you should start to notice the effects of Diflucan soon after taking it. The symptoms of thrush should gradually disappear over a couple of days. Do not be alarmed if it takes up to seven days for symptoms to completely go.

If you find you still have symptoms after seven days, you should contact your GP. You may need an additional course or another medication.

Diflucan is very easy to take. When taking it for vaginal thrush, you:

• take one 150mg capsule at any time of the day
• take the capsule with or without food

If you do not notice any change, you should contact your doctor for further advice. You should not increase your dosage unless you have been specifically advised to do so by a medical professional.

There are other dosages and courses of Diflucan prescribed for conditions other than thrush. You should contact your regular doctor if you require a prescription for a different health condition.

As you only need to take a single dose of this medication, prolonged side effects are rare. Any reactions experienced are more likely to be temporary and subside after the medication is out of your system.

The most common side effects reported include:

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• itching
• rash
• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea

If you have any side effects that persist, don't hesitate to contact your GP. You should also seek medical help if you have an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergy include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat and skin reactions.

For more information about reactions, you can consult the patient information leaflet - this is available as a downloadable PDF on this page. Alternatively, you can contact your doctor or pharmacist.

You should consider other medication if you have:

• an allergy to any of its ingredients
• experienced severe side effects to it in the past
• acute porphyria

There are many medications available for thrush, so do not worry if Diflucan is unsuitable for you.

You should also be aware of interactions with other medications. Do not take Diflucan if you are already taking:

• clotrimazole
• cisapride
• zidovudine
• losartan
• azithromycin
• cyclosporine
• rifampin
• pimozide
• quinidine
• erythromycin

What precautions should I take?

You should consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if any of the following apply to you:

• susceptibility to QT interval prolongation
• heart, kidney or liver problems
• abnormal levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium in the blood

If any of those are relevant to you, it does not mean you cannot use the medication. Rather, you may need additional monitoring from a doctor.

You should also consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you are breastfeeding, it is not recommended to use this medication as it can pass into breast milk. As always, consult with your doctor if you are unsure.

Yes, you can easily order Diflucan online to treat thrush. You must first complete an online consultation before the treatment is available to you; this is a medical and legal requirement. Our doctors will use your answers to check if treatment will be safe and effective for you to use. If approved, your order will be sent with next-day delivery. The delivery is included in the overall price.

If you have any questions or concerns about our service, you can contact us via the Customer Service links at the bottom of this page.