Fluconazole

Also sold asDiflucan

Type of medicineAntifungal

Available asCapsules, oral suspension

How you get itPharmacy for vaginal thrush; prescription for other uses

Fluconazole is an oral antifungal. For straightforward vaginal thrush a single 150mg capsule is usually all that is needed, and it is available from pharmacies. Longer courses for other infections need a prescription.

For vaginal thrush

A single 150mg capsule, taken with or without food. Symptoms usually improve within one to three days, though itching can take a little longer to settle fully.

A cream for external itching can be used alongside. Unlike pessaries and internal creams, fluconazole capsules do not damage condoms.

If symptoms have not improved within seven days, come back and see us rather than repeating it.

Who should not take it

Pregnancy — fluconazole is avoided; a pessary is used instead
Breastfeeding — discuss with us first
Under 16 or over 60 — needs assessment rather than over-the-counter supply
Anyone with liver or kidney problems, or a heart rhythm condition
Anyone with abnormal or foul-smelling discharge, bleeding, blisters, sores, or lower abdominal pain — that needs examining, not treating for thrush
Anyone with four or more episodes a year, or a first episode

Interactions and side effects

Fluconazole interacts with a long list of medicines. Tell us if you take warfarin or a DOAC, statins, some antidepressants, phenytoin, ciclosporin, or anything affecting heart rhythm. Even a single dose matters with warfarin.

Common side effects: nausea, stomach ache, diarrhoea, headache and rash.

Stop and seek advice for a widespread or blistering rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or palpitations.

Recurrent thrush — four or more episodes a year — is treated differently, usually with a longer maintenance course. Come and talk to us rather than repeating single doses.

Always read the label. This page is general information, not advice for your situation. Doses, warnings and interactions differ between products and between people. Check the leaflet inside your medicine, and ask our pharmacist if anything is unclear — that conversation is free and takes two minutes.

Questions about Fluconazole?

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Frequently asked questions

Is one fluconazole capsule enough for thrush?

For straightforward vaginal thrush, usually yes. If symptoms have not improved within seven days, come back rather than repeating the dose.

Can I take fluconazole in pregnancy?

No — it is avoided in pregnancy. A pessary is used instead. Speak to us or your midwife.

Does fluconazole affect condoms?

No, unlike pessaries and internal creams. The capsule has no effect on latex.

What if I keep getting thrush?

Four or more episodes a year needs a different approach, usually a longer maintenance course. Come and talk to us rather than repeating single doses.

Clotrimazole →Empagliflozin →Warfarin →All medicines A–Z →

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