Fluconazole

What it is

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal. It blocks a fungal enzyme needed to build ergosterol, the sterol that holds the fungal cell membrane together, so the fungus cannot grow. It is used for fungal infections, including yeast infections of the mouth, throat, skin and genital area.

A usual adult range, not a national label — the dose and the timing differ by country and by product.

Used for

• Fungal infection

Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.

What to know while taking it

It can be taken with or without food. It slows the liver enzymes that clear several other drugs, so the anticoagulant warfarin can become stronger and bleeding more likely, atorvastatin can build up and raise the risk of muscle injury, and amitriptyline levels can rise. It can also stretch the QT interval, the heart's electrical recovery time, which matters more alongside other drugs that do the same. ALT and AST are the liver enzymes usually watched during longer courses.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea or pain under the right ribs, for fainting, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, and for unusual bruising or bleeding while also on warfarin.

Worth knowing

• Can prolong the QT interval
• Watch liver enzymes

Markers to watch

• ALT
• AST