An oral drug used to treat and prevent candida infections, fluconazole is one of the most effective drugs against these conditions. It’s often prescribed for the more advanced cases when topical treatments are not enough. However, like all medications, fluconazole has its own side effect.
In this article, we will be going over the most common side effects of fluconazole.
How Does Fluconazole Work?
Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal – a type of medication used to treat invasive fungal conditions. In addition to being used against strains of candida, fluconazole is often prescribed for meningitis – a brain infection caused by the Cryptococcus fungus.
The way this drug works is by inhibiting the growth and preventing the reproduction of these two types of fungi. For people who already have the infection, fluconazole can help them get rid of it. For people who haven’t developed candidiasis yet but are at a higher risk of infection, fluconazole can prevent it. This includes people with weakened immune systems.
Fluconazole Side Effects
The gravity of side effects you might develop from fluconazole largely depends of the dose you need to take. Common side effects include:
- Diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Stomach pain;
- Vomiting;
- Severe rash (more common in people with a weakened immune system);
In rare cases, fluconazole can cause serious liver damage. If you notice your skin is turning yellow, your urine is significantly darker, and your stools very light – contact your doctor to exclude liver damage as a possibility.
Conclusion
Side effects of fluconazole are rarely serious. However, if you have to take larger doses because of the severity of your infection, watch out for more serious symptoms and contact your doctor if you suspect you may be experiencing liver damage.
