What it means
An azole antifungal that treats vaginal yeast infections (often as one tablet), thrush in the mouth or esophagus, and more serious fungal infections such as cryptococcal meningitis. Side effects include nausea, headache and, rarely, liver damage and QT prolongation. It slows the breakdown of many drugs, raising levels of warfarin, some statins and some diabetes pills.
For the nurse
Check the client's other medicines for interactions, and teach them to report yellow skin, dark urine or a racing or irregular heartbeat.
At a glance
| Drug class | azole antifungal |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Diflucan |
| Spanish | fluconazol |
| Also written | Diflucan |
Related terms
candidiasis
An infection caused by Candida, a yeast (a kind of fungus).
fungal infection
An infection caused by a fungus, such as a yeast or a mold.
yeast infection
An infection with Candida, a yeast that normally lives on the body in small numbers.