Fluconazole 150 mg capsules are an antifungal medication used to treat vaginal yeast infections caused by the yeast known as Candida. It works by stopping the growth of Candida. It usually starts to work within one day, but it may take 3 days for your symptoms to improve and up to 7 days for your symptoms to disappear.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose of fluconazole for vaginal candidiasis (yeast) infections is a single 150 mg dose.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to fluconazole or any ingredients of the medication
• are taking the medications cisapride or astemizole
• are taking the medication terfenadine when fluconazole is taken in doses greater than 400 mg daily
• are taking medications that may cause the irregular heart rhythm known as "prolonged QT interval"(i.e. amiodarone, erythromycin)

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• symptoms of irregular heartbeat (e.g., chest pain, dizziness, rapid or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

General: If this is your first yeast infection, if you have frequent yeast infections or heart disease, if you have another yeast infection within 2 months after taking this medication, or if you have multiple sexual partners or change partners often, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. This medication should only be taken as a single dose.

The following symptoms are not caused by a yeast infection. Contact your doctor for treatment advice, if you experience them:

• abdominal pain
• discharge with a foul odour
• fever or chills
• lower back or shoulder pain
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• painful urination

If your symptoms have not improved in 3 days or disappeared in 7 days, contact your doctor.

Intercourse and birth control: Vaginal intercourse should be avoided when you have a yeast infection. This will help reduce the risk of infecting your sexual partner(s).

This medication works in the body for several days after you take the dose. To avoid the risks of harm to the developing baby, if you are child-bearing age and may become pregnant, be sure to use an effective form of birth control for 7 days after taking this medication.

QT prolongation: This medication can cause changes in the electrical activity of the heart, called QT prolongation. If you have heart disease, abnormal electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium, sodium), or are taking other medications that can cause QT prolongation (e.g., quinidine, amiodarone), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. People who take fluconazole for vaginal yeast infections and who may become pregnant should use adequate birth control for seven days after a dose of fluconazole.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking fluconazole, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of fluconazole 150 mg capsules have not been established for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis in children under 12 years of age.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.