Oral Fluconazole Tablet Adverse Reactions: Strategies for Coping
Fluconazole, a generic prescription medication, is commonly used to treat fungal infections in adults and children aged 6 months and older. While it has proven effective in managing various fungal infections, it's essential to be aware of its potential long-term side effects and common adverse reactions.
The long-term side effects of fluconazole primarily involve liver-related issues, skin disorders, and some less common neurological and hematologic effects. Notable long-term or serious adverse effects can include:
- Hepatotoxicity (liver damage): Fluconazole can cause drug-induced liver injury, which may have lasting effects months after stopping the drug. Patients may take 3 to 4 months to recover after discontinuation, and re-exposure should be avoided in patients with liver dysfunction.
- Skin reactions: These may range from mild rashes to severe exfoliative skin disorders such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are rare but serious.
- Alopecia (hair loss) and xerosis (dry skin) have been noted in some patients during longer-term use.
- QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmia (torsade de pointes) are serious but less common side effects, especially relevant with long-term or high-dose use.
- Neurological symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, tremor, seizures, and paresthesia have been reported but are less well characterized as long-term side effects.
- Hematologic effects like leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, and thrombocytopenia can occur but are rare.
Most gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea) are typically short-term and mild. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but require monitoring, especially liver function tests during prolonged use.
Common side effects of fluconazole include headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, feeling dizzy, skin rash, and mild allergic reaction. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, but if they persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.
If you develop symptoms of liver problems during fluconazole treatment, tell your doctor right away. They can do blood tests to check your liver health. Symptoms of liver-related side effects from fluconazole can include nausea or vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, itchy skin, and dark urine.
Developing dizziness is possible during fluconazole treatment, and it can occur even if it wasn't a common side effect in clinical trials. If you experience dizziness while taking fluconazole, your doctor may recommend that you avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of fluconazole, and it may be more common in children and older adults (adults ages 65 years and older) taking the drug. If you develop diarrhea during fluconazole treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease the diarrhea that you experience.
Fluconazole is used to treat various fungal infections, such as vaginal yeast infections, other yeast infections like in the mouth or throat, and meningitis. In certain situations, it's also used to help prevent yeast infections in people who have had bone marrow transplants.
Drinking alcohol while taking fluconazole may increase your risk of side effects from the drug. If you'd like to drink alcohol while taking fluconazole, talk with your doctor about alcohol interactions to find out whether it may be safe for you.
It's essential to remember that while fluconazole can have significant long-term risks, it remains an essential medication for treating fungal infections. By being aware of its potential side effects and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider, you can help ensure safe and effective treatment.
[1] DrugBank. (2021). Fluconazole. Retrieved from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00959 [2] UpToDate. (2021). Fluconazole: Dosing and administration. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fluconazole-dosing-and-administration [3] UpToDate. (2021). Fluconazole: Adverse effects, interactions, and monitoring. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fluconazole-adverse-effects-interactions-and-monitoring [4] UpToDate. (2021). Fluconazole: Toxicity and management of overdose. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fluconazole-toxicity-and-management-of-overdose
- Besides fungal infections, fluconazole is sometimes used to help prevent yeast infections in certain situations, like bone marrow transplant patients.
- In addition to fungal infections, fluconazole is used to treat a variety of conditions such as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and meningitis.
- Some chronic diseases that may be managed or treated with predictive therapies could include asthma, COPD, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.4.While fluconazole has minimal long-term side effects, it can cause liver-related issues, skin disorders, and rare serious neurological and hematologic effects.
- Skin-care products can be beneficial for managing conditions like psoriasis and eczema, but it's crucial to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.
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