Diflucan (fluconazole): quick, clear facts you can use

One tablet of Diflucan can fix many yeast infections, but it's not always the right move for everyone. This short guide explains what Diflucan does, common doses, side effects to watch for, and simple safety tips so you know when to use it—and when to see a doctor.

What Diflucan treats and how it works

Diflucan is the brand name for fluconazole, an antifungal that stops fungus from making a key cell-wall component. People commonly use it for vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and some skin or nail fungal problems. Doctors also prescribe it for more serious fungal infections in the blood or lungs, but those cases need medical monitoring in a clinic or hospital.

For uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections, a single 150 mg oral dose is common. Other infections require different doses and longer courses—sometimes daily pills for one or more weeks. Don’t guess the dose; follow a doctor’s instructions.

How to take Diflucan safely

Take Diflucan exactly as prescribed. You can take it with or without food. If you miss a dose for a multi-day course, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose—then skip the missed pill and continue.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. Fluconazole interacts with many drugs, including warfarin, certain statins, some antiarrhythmics, and drugs that affect liver enzymes (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4). Mixing these can raise drug levels and cause harm.

Avoid using Diflucan during pregnancy unless your doctor says it’s absolutely needed. High-dose or long-term fluconazole in pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. If you’re breastfeeding, ask your doctor whether to pause nursing or choose another treatment.

Common side effects and key warnings

Most people tolerate Diflucan well. Common side effects are nausea, headache, stomach pain, and sometimes dizziness. Serious but rare problems include allergic reactions, severe skin rashes, liver inflammation, and heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation). If you get yellowing skin, dark urine, intense stomach pain, fainting, or a fast/irregular heartbeat, get medical help right away.

If you need fluconazole for weeks or months, your doctor may check liver tests during treatment. Also tell your provider if you have liver disease, heart disease, or a history of irregular heartbeat before starting Diflucan.

Practical tip: if your symptoms don’t improve within a few days for vaginal yeast or within a week for oral thrush, go back to your clinician. Persisting symptoms can mean the wrong diagnosis or a resistant infection.

Want to buy Diflucan? Use a licensed pharmacy and a valid prescription for prescription-strength needs. Avoid unknown online sellers. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider—safe treatment beats a quick fix.