Fluconazole 150mg Capsule (Single Dose Treatment)

Thrush Doctor Service

The recommended treatment for thrush in men depends on which area of the body is affected.

For thrush that doesn't affect the penis, a type of anti-fungal cream called topical imidazole is usually recommended.

• Fluconazole is the first-choice treatment for thrush that affects the penis. It's also used as an alternative antifungal medication if your symptoms do not improve within 14 days of using a topical imidazole.

Topical imidazoles work by breaking down the membranes (walls) of the fungi cells. Examples of topical imidazoles include:

• clotrimazole
• econazole
• ketoconazole
• miconazole

Most of these are available from your pharmacist without a prescription. Your pharmacist can advise which treatment is most suitable for you.

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine and a generic medication, used to treat infections caused by different kinds of fungus.

The most common cause of fungal infections is a yeast called Candida, which can cause thrush in men, skin irritation on the head of the penis (balanitis), and thrush in the mouth (oral thrush) infections in your blood or elsewhere in your body.

You might be given this medicine by your doctor to treat the following types of fungal infections:

• Cryptococcal meningitis – a fungal infection in the brain
• Coccidioidomycosis – a disease of the bronchopulmonary system
• Infections caused by Candida and found in the bloodstream, body organs (e.g. heart, lungs) or urinary tract
• Mucosal thrush - infection affecting the lining of the mouth, throat and denture sore mouth
• Genital thrush – infection of the vagina or penis
• Skin infections - e.g. athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, nail infection.

You Might Also Be Given Fluconazole Capsules To:

• stop cryptococcal meningitis from coming back
• stop mucosal thrush from coming back
• reduce recurrence of vaginal thrush
• stop you from getting an infection caused by Candida (if your immune system is weak and not working properly.

The amount of active ingredient Fluconazole present in the generic tablet is exactly the same as the branded version. Fluconazole is an antifungal agent which works by stopping the growth of candida.

About thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Both men and women can get thrush, though it is more often associated with women. The medical term for thrush is candidiasis.

What does thrush look like?

In men, it usually affects the head of the penis – causing irritation, discharge and redness. For both sexes, the inflammation can lead to a burning sensation when urinating.

Why do some people get thrush and others don’t?

Candida albicans is the name of the yeast which causes thrush. It is found naturally in the body, meaning anyone can get thrush. The reason why it becomes activated for some and not others is not yet determined. Thrush can be more common in diabetics, pregnant women and those taking antibiotics.

What causes thrush?

The fungus candida albicans occurs naturally in your body, particularly in warm, moist areas, such as inside the mouth and around the genitals.

It does not usually cause problems because it is kept under control by your immune system (the body’s natural defence against illness and infection) and other types of bacteria in the body.

However, certain conditions can cause the fungus to multiply and lead to infection. You are more likely to be at risk of thrush if:

• you have a weakened immune system.
• you are obese, with large rolls of skin (an environment where fungi can often thrive).
• you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes – as the high levels of glucose associated with diabetes can encourage the fungus to breed; people with diabetes also tend to sweat more, creating a perfect breeding. environment for the fungus.

Should I see a doctor?

If you suspect thrush for the first time, it's best to see a doctor for a diagnosis. This is because the symptoms can be similar to those of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Your GP will be able to tell the difference.

If you've had thrush before and you recognise the symptoms, you can treat it yourself with over-the-counter medication.

You should also visit your GP if you have a weakened immune system and you have thrush. This is because there is a risk that a thrush infection could progress to a more serious case of invasive candidiasis. Read our page on the complications of thrush for more information about invasive candidiasis.

Does my partner need treatment if I have been diagnosed with thrush?

Thrush is not an STI (sexually transmitted infection) but can be passed on through intercourse with someone infected. It is common to see thrush being passed onto the partners of those with thrush and men do not necessarily have to show any symptoms for it. It is recommended for men and women who suffer from recurring thrush to also get their partner treated to eradicate the infection completely.

Treating and preventing thrush

You can treat thrush without prescription medications. For thrush affecting your penis, ask your chemist for clotrimazole cream or a tablet called fluconazole. For thrush infections in your groin or elsewhere, the chemist can supply a cream.

It's possible for thrush to spread during sex, but it's not an STI. However, both sexual partners may need thrush treatment to prevent re-infection. Re-infection from a female partner is common. Seek advice from a pharmacist or your GP.

However, not all cases are caused by sex, and many cases develop in men and women who are not sexually active.

You can help prevent thrush by cleaning your penis regularly and using a condom while having sex with your partner (if they have thrush).

• Avoid using perfumed soaps or shower gels on your genitals, as they can cause irritation. Make sure you dry your penis properly after washing.
• Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear can help prevent moisture building up under your foreskin, which lowers the chances of the candida fungus multiplying. 

Like all medicines, Fluconazole 150mg capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

A few people develop allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are rare. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

If you get any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately:

• sudden wheezing, difficulty in breathing or tightness in the chest
• swelling of eyelids, face or lip
• itching all over the body, reddening of the skin or itchy red spots
• skin rash
• severe skin reactions such as a rash that causes blistering (this can affect the mouth and tongue).

Fluconazole 150mg capsules may affect your liver. The signs of liver problems include:

• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).

Stop taking Fluconazole capsules and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• widespread rash, high body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome.

For a full list of side effects, read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us. 

Patient Information Leaflet Fluconazole 150mg Capsule (single dose)

Do not take Fluconazole 150mg  Capsules:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Fluconazole 150mg capsules.
• If you are allergic to any other medicines that you have taken to treat a fungal infection. The symptoms may include itching, reddening of the skin or difficulty in breathing.
• If you are taking terfenadine or astemizole (an antihistamine for allergies).
• If you are taking cisapride (used for stomach upsets).
• If you are taking quinidine (used for treating heart arrhythmia).
• If you are taking pimozide (for treating a mental disorder (Schizophrenia).
• If you are taking erythromycin (an antibiotic for treating infections).

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

How to store Fluconazole 150mg Capsules

• Store in a cool dry place. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.
• Do not use the capsules after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date
  refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Before using any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us. 

Directions:

Always use this medicine exactlyas described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. It is best to take your capsules at the same time each day.

• If you have been prescribed more than the single dose of Fluconazole, you must complete the prescribed course.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, or they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Fluconazole 150mg capsules with food and drink: You can take your medicine with or without a meal.

If you take more Fluconazole 150mg capsules than you should

Taking too many capsules at once may make you unwell. Contact your doctor or your nearest hospital casualty department at once. The symptoms of a possible overdose may include hearing, seeing, feeling and thinking things that are not real (hallucination and paranoid behaviour).

Symptomatic treatment (with supportive measures and gastric lavage if necessary) may be adequate.

If you forget to take Fluconazole 150mg capsules

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the dose that you missed.

Fluconazole and lactose: Fluconazole 150mg capsules contain a small amount of lactose (milk sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you have intolerance to some sugars, please contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

Fluconazole and sodium: Fluconazole capsules contain less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking fluconazole capsules if:

• you are suffering from liver or kidney problems
• you are suffering from heart disease, including heart rhythm problems
• you have abnormal levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium in your blood
• develop severe skin reactions (itching, reddening of the skin or difficulty in breathing)
• you develop signs of ‘adrenal insufficiency’ where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of certain steroid hormones such as cortisol (chronic, or long lasting fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain)
• the fungal infection does not improve, as alternative antifungal therapy may be needed.
• you have ever developed a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering and/or mouth sores after taking Fluconazole capsules

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Serious skin reactions including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in association with Fluconazole Capsules treatment. Stop taking Fluconazole capsules and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. You should not take fluconazole capsules if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor has told you so.

• Fluconazole taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Fluconazole taken at low doses during the first trimester may slightly increase the risk of a baby being born with birth defects affecting the bones and/or muscles.
• You can continue breast-feeding after taking a single dose of Fluconazole capsules of 150mg.
• You should not breast-feed if you are taking a repeated dose of Fluconazole capsules.

Driving and using machines

Fluconazole 150mg capsules occasionally cause dizziness or fits may occur which could affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

Ingredients:

The active substance is Fluconazole.

The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, maize starch, sodium lauryl sulphate, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (E l71), patent blue V (E 131) and gelatin.

What Fluconazole 150mg Capsules looks like and contents of the pack

Fluconazole 150mg Capsules are blue/blue capsules containing white crystalline powder. Fluconazole 150mg Capsules are available in a blister pack of 1 capsule.