Brand name:
F-con (Fluconazole)
Pronounced: Dye-FLEW-can
Generic name: Fluconazole
Why is F-con prescribed?
F-con is used to treat fungal infections called candidiasis (also
known as thrush or yeast infections). These include vaginal infections,
throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere in the body, such
as infections of the urinary tract, peritonitis (inflammation of the
lining of the abdomen), and pneumonia. F-con is also prescribed
to guard against candidiasis in some people receiving bone marrow transplants,
and is used to treat meningitis (brain or spinal cord inflammation)
caused by another type of fungus.
In addition, F-con is now being prescribed for fungal infections
in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients
with AIDS.
How should you take F-con?
You can take F-con with or without meals.
Take F-con exactly as prescribed, and continue taking it for as long
as your doctor instructs. You may begin to feel better after the first
few days; but it takes weeks or even months of treatment to completely
cure certain fungal infections.
If you miss a dose F-con (Fluconazole)
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return
to your regular schedule. Do not take double doses.
Storage F-con (Fluconazole) instructions...
F-con tablets should be stored at normal room temperature. Avoid exposing
them to temperatures above 86°F.
Most important fact about F-con - without
prescriptions
Strong allergic reactions to F-con, although rare, have been reported.
Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, sudden drop in blood
pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, diarrhea, or abdominal
pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
F-con side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking F-con.
The most common side effect for people taking more than one dose is
nausea.
For women taking a single dose to treat vaginal infection, the most
common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea;
changes in taste, dizziness, and indigestion may occur less often.
* Other side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, irregular heartbeat, skin rash,
vomiting
Why should F-con not be prescribed?
Do not take F-con if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients
or have ever had an allergic reaction to similar drugs, such as Nizoral.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Avoid combining F-con with the heartburn medication Propulsid.
The combination has been known to trigger heartbeat irregularities
and other cardiac problems.
Special warnings about F-con
Your doctor will watch your liver function carefully while you are
taking F-con.
If your immunity is low and you develop a rash, your doctor should
monitor your condition closely. You may have to stop taking F-con
if the rash gets worse.
In a small group of patients, drugs similar to F-con have caused
irregular heartbeats. If you develop such symptoms while taking F-con,
contact your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking F-con
If F-con without Rx is taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important
to check with your doctor before combining F-con with the following:
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Antidiabetic drugs such as Orinase, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol
Astemizole (Hismanal)
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Terfenadine (Seldane)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Ulcer medications such as Tagamet
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of F-con during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. F-con appears in breast milk and could affect
a nursing infant. If F-con is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with F-con
is finished.
Recommended dosage for F-con
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
