What is fluconazole used for?

The medicine interferes with the growth of fungi. A clinician may choose it when symptoms and examination suggest a fungal infection, or when a known infection needs treatment. It is not an antibiotic, and it does not treat every cause of itching, discharge, soreness or irritation.

The correct dose and route depend on the infection, your medical history and other medicines. Vaginal symptoms can have several causes, so repeated self-treatment may delay the right diagnosis.

Take it exactly as prescribed and tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or have liver disease. Share a complete list of medicines and supplements because fluconazole can interact with some treatments. Do not take someone else’s dose or repeat a previous course without advice.

If symptoms do not improve, return for assessment rather than assuming the infection needs more medicine. For an overview of care for vaginal thrush, read the related antifungal treatment information.

Seek prompt medical advice for fever, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge, sores, bleeding unrelated to a period, or symptoms after a new sexual partner. Get urgent help for facial swelling, trouble breathing, widespread blistering rash, fainting or severe illness after taking a dose.

Ask what infection is being treated, whether a test is needed, how to take the medicine, which interactions matter, and what to do if symptoms return.