Side effects to consider when taking Fluconazole

Shall I or shall I not use Fluconazole? Are you worried about the side effects of Fluconazole? Nothing to worry about! This article will update you about the possible side effects of the drug.

Fluconazole is an antifungal agent of azole antibiotics.  It is an antifungal medication to treat Candida fungal infections of the mouth, vagina, oesophagus, lungs, urinary tract, vagina, abdomen, and other organs. The drug commonly treats urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections. In addition, it treats histoplasmosis (lung infection), dermatophyte onychomycosis (fungal disease of nails), candidiasis (yeast infections), thrush, Versicolor (fungal infection of the skin), ringworm (of hand, body, and scalp), fungal pneumonia, and athlete’s foot.

How Fluconazole Works?

Fluconazole belongs to a group of medicine known as Azole antifungals.  The mechanism of action of Fluconazole is to kill fungi and prevent their growth.  Fluconazole works by destroying the existing infection-causing fungus from within the body and preventing fungal growth. 

Side Effects of Fluconazole

Along with its desired outcomes, the drug may cause some undesirable side effects. However, not all of the side effects may occur. If the side effects do occur, they may need medical attention.

Like every medicine, Fluconazole has some side effects. However, these are rare and temporary and may last a few days. Talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or persist for more than a week.

Common Side Effects

The most common adverse effects of Fluconazole are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach cramps
• Upset stomach
• Indigestion
• Flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Anorexia
• Dyspepsia
• Dry mouth
• Unpleasant breath odour
• Loss of appetite
• Taste impairment
• Trouble sleeping
• Somnolence
• Headache
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Weight loss
• Fatigue        

Some adverse effects usually do not require medical attention. Most of these side effects typically disappear during treatment as your body adjusts to the drug. Your health care professional may tell you specific ways to prevent or lessen some of these adverse effects. Immediately consult your health care professional if any of the side effects prevail or are bothersome or if you have any queries about them.

Severe Side Effects

In case of severe side effects, seek medical attention right away. Consult your doctor if your symptoms are life-threatening or if there is a medical emergency. The possible severe side effects of the drug include:

• Chills and fever
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Hypotension
• Unusual bruising/bleeding
• Blurred vision
• Vertigo
• Tremors
• Shortness of breath
• Upper right or abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Hair loss
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Dark urine
• Clay-coloured stools
• Hepatitis
• Jaundice
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Vaginitis
• Urinary incontinence
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Seizures

Allergic Reactions

Fluconazole may cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to the drug. In addition, inactive ingredients of the medication may also cause allergic reactions. Allergic responses include:

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing or talking
• Dizziness/drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Lymph node swelling
• Blistered or peeling skin (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Pruritus
• Thrush
• Urticaria
• Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, and throat

Warnings to Consider

• Be careful while using Fluconazole without the doctor’s consent.
• You must share your medical history with the doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions like heart, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and bursitis. 
• People with kidney failure should avoid Fluconazole. It affects the functioning of the kidneys.
• Fluconazole may cause severe dizziness and fainting that require immediate medical attention.
• Avoid alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) while taking this drug.  These will make you dizzier.
• If you have abdominal, chest, or back pain while taking Fluconazole, immediately consult your doctor.
• Seek your doctor’s advice if you are allergic to Fluconazole or if any allergic reactions appear after using this antibiotic.
• Do not use Fluconazole while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Use some reliable contraceptives while taking Fluconazole.

Conclusion

Fluconazole is an antifungal agent of azole antibiotics. Fluconazole treats Candida fungal infections of the mouth, vagina, oesophagus, lungs, urinary tract, vagina, abdomen, and other organs. In addition, the drug commonly treats urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections.

Fluconazole works by destroying the existing infection-causing fungus from within the body and preventing fungal growth. 

The side effects of the drug range from common to severe adverse effects. There are some allergic reactions as well. Fluconazole may cause severe dizziness and fainting that require immediate medical attention. Consult your doctor if you experience abdominal, chest, or back pain while taking Fluconazole. Do not use it while pregnant or breastfeeding.