FLUCONAZOLE
It is a bis-triazole antifungal drug & is structurally related to imidazole-derivatives.It is fungistatic in action & exerts its antifungal activity by altering cellular membranes resulting in increased membrane permeability, leakage of essential elements (e.g amino acids, potassium) and impaired uptake of precursor molecules (e.g. purine &pyrimidine precursors to DNA).Systemic candidiasis, mucosal candi-diasis & cryptococcosis,vaginal candidiasis, fungal infections in patients with malignancy.
Oropharyngeal or Oesophageal candidiasis: 200mg on the first day followed by 100mg once daily. Max 400mg/day.Vaginal candidiasis: 150mg once oral dose.Deep seated candidiasis: 400mg on first day then 200mg once daily for 4wks & for atleast 2 wks after resolution of symptoms. Cryptococcal meningitis: 400mg on first day followed by 200mg once daily. Max.400mg/day for 10-12wks. Thereafter 200mg once daily. Neutropenic cancer: 50-100mg daily.
Hypersensitivity.
Liver dysfunction, immuno-compromised patients. Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary. Contraindicated in age below 4 weeks. Pregnancy: May affect the foetus. Lactation: Drug passes into breast milk.
Nausea,headache,skin rash, abdominal pain, vomiting & diarrhoea.
Increases the serum level of phenytoin, warfarin and sulfonylureas.
