Fluconazole

Commonly known by the trade names Diflucan or Trican (Pfizer), the generic fluconazole drug possess antifungal properties that makes it best to be used for the treatment and prevention of superficial and systemic fungal infections. Appearing as a white crystalline powder, this drug is somewhat soluble in water and alcohol. fluconazole fungal activity is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections. They are prescribed for treating various conditions like Candidiasis due to susceptible strains of Candida, Onychomycosis, Tinea corporis, tinea cruris or tinea pedis, Cryptococcal meningitis etc. Fluconazole are also prescribed as the best medication for a number of other infections caused by Cryptococcosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis along with prophylaxis of candidiasis in immuno deficient people.

The diflucan dosage varies with between patient groups and indications. The drug dosage ranges from a two week course of fluconazole 150 mg per day for vulvovaginal candidiasis to 150ЁC300 mg once weekly for chronic skin infections or a few prophylactic symptoms. The trican dosage of 500ЁC600 mg/day may be prescribed for systemic or severe infections along with infections that require urgent treatment including meningitis caused due to yeast for which 800 mg/day of dosage is directed. Pediatric doses are given at 6-12 mg/kg/d.

The functioning of this drug is similar to other antifungal drugs as fluconazole prevents the action of fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14¦Б-demethylase from causing infection. As a result of this inhibition, the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol is prevented. lanosterol is an essential component of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane and consequent accumulation of 14¦Б-methyl sterols is prevented. However, Diflucan should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers as it can be excreted through the milk.

Diflucan side effects include: diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, enzymesanorexia, constipation etc. Other rare symptoms include oliguria, alopecia, hypokalaemia, paraesthesia, seizures, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombocytopenia, hepatotoxicity and so on.