Fluconazole

Fluconazole

Brand Name: Diflucan

Pregnancy Category C

Drug class: Antifungal

 

 

Therapeutic actions

Binds to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, changing membrane permeability; fungicidal or fungistatic depending on concentration and organism.

 

 

Indications

· Treatment of oropharyngeal, esophageal, and vaginal candidiasis

· Treatment of cryptococcal meningitis

· Treatment of systemic fungal infections

· Prophylaxis to decrease incidence of candidiasis in bone marrow transplants

 

 

Contraindications

· Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to fluconazole, lactation.

 

Adverse effects

· CNS: Headache

· GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

· Other: Rash

 

 

Drug Interactions:

· Increased serum levels and therefore therapeutic and toxic effects of cyclosporine, phenytoin, benzodiazepines, oral hypoglycemics, warfarin anticoagulants, zidovudine

· Decreased serum levels with rifampin, theophylline, TCAs, losartan

 

 

Nursing considerations

· Culture infection prior to therapy; begin treatment before lab results are returned.

· Decrease dosage in cases of renal failure.

· Infuse IV only; not intended for IM or SC use.

· Do not add supplement medication to fluconazole.

· Administer through sterile equipment at a maximum rate of 200 mg/hr given as a continuous infusion.

· Monitor renal function tests weekly, discontinue or decrease dosage of drug at any sign of increased renal toxicity.