Fluconazole: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Fluconazole is a prescription antifungal medicine. It treats certain fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and some skin or internal infections.
Fluconazole can treat susceptible fungal infections when taken exactly as prescribed. Because it may interact with other medicines and affect the liver, use it only under medical guidance.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J02AC01
- Generic
- Fluconazole
- Class
- antifungal
- Brands
- Diflucan
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 30
- Onset (min)
- 120
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- liver-function, cardiac-qt
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 6mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
avoid fluconazole during first trimester unless life-threatening fungal infection
regular fetal ultrasound monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid high-dose fluconazole; single dose preferred for vaginal candidiasis
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
fluconazole passes into breast milk; monitor infant for side effects
observe nursing infant for vomiting, diarrhea, rash
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates infantsweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients; follow weight-based dosing guidelines
monitor liver function tests
geriatric
elderlyadjust for renal function
use standard dosing with renal function assessment
monitor renal function periodically
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance; extend dosing intervals
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose
use with caution; limited data available
monitor liver function tests closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Fluconazole was first approved by the FDA in January 1990
Drug class
Antifungal medication classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of antifungal action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy