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The difference between a brand name medicine and a generic one is in the name, shape and in the price. A generic drug is usually called by the name of the active ingredient while a manufacturer uses a brand name. However, a manufacturer cannot possess a patent for a certain chemical agent, this is why manufacturers of generic medications can legally produce the so-called "generics". They are the same chemically and since the active ingredient is identical, they have the same medical effect. Thus buying a generic medication one pays less but gets the very same result.

USES:

Fluconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to prevent and treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections.

HOW TO USE:

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus or yeast to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset/pain, headache, dizziness, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:

Before taking fluconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole); or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease. Although uncommon, this drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fluconazole passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting fluconazole. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: amitriptyline, certain anti-diabetic drugs (sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide), certain benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), certain calcium channel blockers (e.g., felodipine, nifedipine), carbamazepine, certain COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib, valdecoxib), certain drugs that affect the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), eplerenone, phenytoin, rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin), theophylline. There are conflicting reports about the effect of this medication with birth control pills. Fluconazole may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.