Fluconazole 150mg Capsules

Fluconazole 150mg Oral Capsules for Thrush

What is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections, most commonly vaginal thrush and oral thrush. It contains the active ingredient fluconazole at a strength of 150mg per capsule.

The 150mg strength is designed explicitly as a single-dose treatment for uncomplicated thrush, making it a convenient option for quick relief.

How Does Fluconazole Work?

Fluconazole belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals. It works by interfering with the production of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes.

When you take fluconazole, it stops the yeast from making ergosterol properly. Without this, the fungal cell membrane becomes damaged and leaky, causing the yeast cells to die. This helps clear the infection and relieve your symptoms.

Most people notice improvement within 1 to 3 days of taking the capsule, though it can take up to a week for symptoms to completely clear.

What is Fluconazole 150 mg Used For?

Fluconazole 150mg capsules are primarily used to treat candida infections, like:

• Vaginal thrush (vaginal yeast infection) – symptoms include itching, soreness, discharge, and discomfort
• Oral thrush (thrush in the mouth) – white patches in the mouth, soreness, and difficulty swallowing
• Candidiasis affecting other areas of the body, including the penis

Fluconazole is particularly effective for uncomplicated thrush infections. If you have recurring thrush or more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a different treatment plan.

Who Can Use Fluconazole for Thrush?

Fluconazole is suitable for adults and children over 16 years old who need treatment for thrush.

Before taking fluconazole 150mg capsules to treat thrush, you should see your doctor if:

• You are unsure about the cause of your symptoms
• You have had thrush more than twice in the last six months
• You or your partner have ever been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
• You are taking any medicine other than the contraceptive pill, including:
  • Warfarin or other blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
  • Diabetes medicines
  • Medicines for epilepsy (such as phenytoin or carbamazepine)
  • Certain antidepressants
  • Macrolide antibiotics
  • Statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines)
  • Benzodiazepines (used for anxiety or sleep problems)
  • Methadone
• You are aged under 16 or over 60 years
• You have had any disease or illness affecting the liver or kidneys, or have had any unexplained jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• You suffer from heart disease, including heart rhythm problems
• You suffer from any other chronic disease or illness
• You develop signs of ‘adrenal insufficiency’ where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of certain steroid hormones, such as cortisol (chronic, or long-lasting fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain)

Women Only

If you are a woman, before treating thrush with fluconazole, you should speak to your doctor if:

• You are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding
• You have any abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge
• You have vulval or vaginal sores, ulcers or blisters
• You are experiencing lower abdominal pain or burning when passing urine

Men Only

If you are a man, before treating thrush with fluconazole, you should speak to your doctor if:

• Your sexual partner does not have vaginal thrush
• You have penile sores, ulcers or blisters
• You have an abnormal penile discharge (leakage)
• Your penis has started to smell
• You have pain when passing urine

Who Cannot Take Fluconazole?

Do not take fluconazole 150mg capsules if you:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to fluconazole, or another drug from the same group of antifungal drugs (i.e. imidazoles like ketoconazole or clotrimazole), or any of the other ingredients of fluconazole 150mg capsules
• Are taking other drugs like terfenadine or astemizole (antihistamines), cisapride (a drug used to treat acid reflux, indigestion or decreased gastric motility), pimozide (a psychiatric medicine), quinidine (for heart disease) or erythromycin (an antibiotic for treating infections)
• Suffer from porphyria

How to Take Fluconazole Tablets

1. Swallow 1 capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush it.
2. You can take fluconazole with or without food.
3. For vaginal thrush, a single 150mg capsule is usually enough. Most people only need to take one capsule.
4. If your symptoms haven’t improved after 7 days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

For recurring thrush or more complex infections, your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking fluconazole.

Side Effects of Fluconazole

Like all medications, fluconazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Rash

Uncommon Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Changes in taste
• Wind (flatulence)
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• Serious skin reactions (blistering, peeling)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures

If you experience any severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking fluconazole and seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent or bothersome side effects.

You can report side effects to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) through the Yellow Card Scheme. Reporting helps monitor the safety of medications.

Fluconazole 150mg Capsules Ingredients

Active ingredient: Fluconazole 150mg

Inactive ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulphate, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), and printing ink.

Fluconazole capsules contain lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

Fluconazole 150mg Capsules Alternatives

If fluconazole isn’t suitable for you, there are several alternative treatments for fungal infections:

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is an antifungal treatment available as a cream, pessary (vaginal tablet), or oral solution. It’s applied directly to the affected area and is available over the counter for vaginal thrush. Treatment typically lasts 1-3 days for vaginal thrush.

Miconazole

Miconazole is another topical antifungal available as a cream like Daktacort HC, or an oral gel for oral thrush like Daktarin Oral Gel. Like clotrimazole, it’s applied directly to the affected area.

Nystatin

Nystatin is commonly used to treat oral thrush and is available as a liquid suspension that you swish around in your mouth. It’s beneficial for people who can’t take fluconazole or when thrush doesn’t respond to other treatments.

Fluconazole Warnings

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
• Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you’re taking before starting fluconazole treatment.