DRUG OF THE DAY
fluconazole
Triazole antifungal
Before opening the card, recall one use, one safety check and one counseling point.
Reveal the drug learning card
Names and formulations
- Diflucan: tablet and oral suspension
Most multidose regimens require kidney-function assessment; vaginal candidiasis single-dose therapy should not be generalized to invasive or deep-site disease.
Common use
Treatment of susceptible Candida infections and selected cryptococcal infections; dose and duration depend on site, organism, immune status, and kidney function.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits fungal lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, impairing ergosterol synthesis and fungal cell-membrane formation.
Important adverse effects and monitoring
- Can cause serious hepatotoxicity, severe skin reactions, QT prolongation, and torsades de pointes.
- Monitor liver tests, kidney function, electrolytes, and ECG risk when patient factors or interacting drugs warrant.
- Pregnancy risk depends on dose, duration, and indication; confirm current recommendations rather than extrapolating from a single-dose regimen.
Patient counseling
- Complete the prescribed regimen and report jaundice, dark urine, severe rash, fainting, or palpitations.
- Shake suspension well and use an accurate measuring device.
Interaction to recognize
With: warfarin
Why it matters: CYP2C9 inhibition can increase anticoagulant effect and prothrombin time.
Practical response: Monitor INR closely and adjust warfarin when clinically required.
Check the original sources
- DailyMed — Diflucan (fluconazole) prescribing information
Sections: Clinical Pharmacology; Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings; General; Drug Interactions; Pregnancy; Patient Information. Source checked 2026-09-13.
Selected learning points; verify current labeling for the complete prescribing information.