- Class
- Antifungals
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Diflucan
What is Fluconazole used for?
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Oral and esophageal candidiasis
- Systemic Candida infections
- Cryptococcal meningitis
How Fluconazole works
Azole antifungal: blocks ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea and abdominal pain
- Liver enzyme elevation
- QT prolongation
Report right away
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Rash or skin peeling
Nursing considerations for Fluconazole
- Many drug interactions: it raises warfarin's effect (monitor INR) and the levels of some statins, sulfonylureas and other drugs.
- Monitor liver function with longer courses. Dose is adjusted for kidney function.
Patient teaching
- Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection usually improve within a few days of a single dose.
- Report rash, yellowing or palpitations.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antifungals practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Fluconazole belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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How should nystatin oral suspension be used for thrush?
Show answer
Answer A: Swish in the mouth for as long as possible, then swallow or spit as directed Nystatin acts topically; contact with the oral lesions is what makes it work.
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Which lab values are most important during amphotericin B therapy?
Show answer
Answer B: Creatinine, potassium and magnesium Amphotericin B is nephrotoxic and causes potassium and magnesium wasting.
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A patient on warfarin is started on fluconazole. What should the nurse expect?
Show answer
Answer A: The INR may rise, increasing bleeding risk Fluconazole inhibits warfarin metabolism, raising the INR.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluconazole used for?
Vaginal yeast infection; Oral and esophageal candidiasis; Systemic Candida infections; Cryptococcal meningitis.
What drug class is Fluconazole?
Fluconazole belongs to the class antifungals. Azole antifungal: blocks ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane.
What are the nursing considerations for Fluconazole?
Many drug interactions: it raises warfarin's effect (monitor INR) and the levels of some statins, sulfonylureas and other drugs. Monitor liver function with longer courses. Dose is adjusted for kidney function.
What should patients report while taking Fluconazole?
yellow skin or eyes, dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; rash or skin peeling.