How to use Diflucan?
Diflucan (fluconazole) is a drug used in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis (infection of vagina due to Candida yeast).
1. Though rarely, it is also used in esophageal and Oropharyngeal candidiasis. A study has shown that it was found to work effectively for peritonitis, Candida urinary infections and systemic infections due to Candida like disseminated candidiasis, candidemia and pneumonia.
2. The drug is indicated to reduce the occurrences of candidiasis in persons with bone marrow transplantation.

Contraindications and Cautions
Diflucan is contraindicated for those are hypersensitive to it or any of its inactive ingredients (excipients.) However, possibilities of cross-hypersensitivity between fluconazole and other azole antifungal products are not yet established. Also, those who are hypersensitive to other azoles must be cautious when taking Diflucan. Coadministration of cisapride and terfenadine is contraindicated in those taking Diflucan in excess of 400 mg or more.

Although rare, Diflucan is associated with hepatic toxicity of serious kinds, including fatalities in those with grievous pre-existing medical histories. Still, no relationship has been established between Diflucan inflicted hepatotoxicity and daily dosage, duration of treatment and gender or age of the patient. Anyone exhibiting abnormal functioning of liver during the course of Diflucan treatment must be monitored for the potential development of severe hepatic damage and the drug should be stopped if signs and symptoms persist and is attributable to Diflucan.

Some people have developed exfoliative skin disorders due to Diflucan. Caution must be exercised when administering it to patients with the potential proarrhythmic abnormalities.

Side effects
A good medicine such as Diflucan also has its share of undesirable effects. It’s common to experience headache, nausea, vomiting, sickness, indigestion & stomach pain, diarrhea and acne.

Although the above are mild, you should notify your doctor, at once, if you experience any of the following symptoms or signs after taking Diflucan.
• Swelling of lips, tongue or face which can lead to difficulty in swallowing, problems to breathing
• asthma or wheezing, skin rash, hives and sudden or severe itching
• seizure, fainting or fits
• flaking or yellowing of skin and eyes indicating jaundice
• reddening or purplish spots on skin
• severe colds, sore throat, fever or mouth ulcers
• rather abnormal bruising or bleeding
• Irregular heartbeats and infections

Although rare, these medical conditions need quick medical attention

Interactions
Diflucan and quite a few medicines are known to interfere in the functioning of each other and they include:
• medicines used to allergic treatment
• diabetes medicines like glibenclamide glipizide or tolbutamide
• antiviral and antibiotic medicines such as rifabutin, zidovudine and rifampicin
• theophylline which is used for asthma
• epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin
• midazolam belonging to benzodiazepines group
• Medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide which are used in treating fluid troubles
• Contraceptive or birth control pills
• drugs administered in treating the immunity problems, for example tacrolimus or cyclosporin
• warfarin, used for stopping blood clots

Diflucan or Fluconazole is associated in the prolongation of QT Interval which sometimes may lead to cardiac arrhythmias of serious kind. This calls for highly cautious administration of the drug.