How to take fluconazole for yeast infections

In this article:

• Does fluconazole work for yeast infections?
• Dosage
• Frequency
• Precautions, side effects, and interactions
• What to avoid
• Alternatives
• FAQs

In this article

• Does fluconazole work for yeast infections?
• Dosage
• Frequency
• Precautions, side effects, and interactions
• What to avoid
• Alternatives
• FAQs

Fluconazole, sometimes sold under the brand name Diflucan, is an oral prescription antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections caused by a type of fungus called Candida. Fluconazole is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections), oral and esophageal candidiasis, systemic candidiasis, urinary tract infections, and peritonitis.

If you are wondering if you can use fluconazole for a yeast infection, the answer is yes. Not only is fluconazole an FDA-approved yeast infection treatment, but it’s also highly effective at clearing up yeast infections, usually with a single dose.

Does fluconazole work for yeast infections?

Fluconazole can treat yeast infections caused by the fungus Candida. The most well-known type of yeast infection fluconazole is prescribed for is vaginal yeast infections. However, fluconazole can also be used to treat yeast infections that occur in your mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, lungs, or blood.

“Fluconazole is a very effective antifungal medication commonly utilized to treat yeast infections, especially caused by Candida Albicans,” says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, double board-certified in obstetrics/gynecology and maternal fetal medicine.

How does fluconazole work as a yeast infection treatment? “Its mechanism of action works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a prime component of the fungal cell wall, either killing the fungus or inhibiting its growth,” Dr. Gaither explains.

Fluconazole is a suitable option for individuals who prefer not to use topical yeast infection treatments, such as over-the-counter or prescription topical creams or suppositories. It can also be helpful if these treatments aren’t working well enough.

Fluconazole is often a welcome alternative for women with yeast infections. “Many people who have not heard of an oral medication for yeast are grateful to know there is an alternative to creams or suppositories, which tend to be messy,” says Sarah Hold, RN, CMN, a certified nurse midwife at Byenveni Baby. “In addition, if vaginal tissues are already sensitive and inflamed, they may feel additional irritation from applying a cream.”

Importantly, fluconazole is a highly effective treatment for yeast infections, and often, just one dose is sufficient to see results. For example, a 2015 study in the Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy found that a single 150 mg dose of fluconazole was highly effective in treating yeast infections, with 81.6% of participants having their infection cured and 85.9% having their infection fully cleared.

Fluconazole dosages for a yeast infection

You may be wondering about the fluconazole dosage for treating a yeast infection and how often it can be taken.

The good news is that most yeast infections can be cleared with fluconazole fairly quickly, often with one dose. According to Erika Gray, Pharm.D., founder and chief medical officer at MyToolBox Genomics, the typical dose for an uncomplicated vaginal yeast infection is 150 mg. People with recurring vaginal yeast infections or more serious yeast infections should take two to three doses of 150 mg of fluconazole, spaced every three days.

Most of the time, fluconazole is administered at a dose of 150 mg for a vaginal yeast infection, but higher doses may be necessary in some cases. “Higher doses of Fluconazole 200 mg to 400 mg are often used if someone has a disseminated (not limited to one area and has spread throughout the body) C. albicans fungal infection,” Dr. Gray shares.

Fluconazole dosing for other types of yeast infections may be different than that for vaginal yeast infections. Here’s what to know:

• Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush): 100 mg daily for about two weeks
• Esophageal candidiasis (esophagus fungal infection): 100 to 400 mg a day for about three weeks
• Candidal cystitis (bladder fungal infection): 200 to 400 mg for two weeks
• Candidemia (blood fungal infection): 400 mg daily or as determined by your provider or pharmacist

Fluconazole dosage chart
Indication	Standard dose
Example: High cholesterol	40 mg tablet once daily
Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)	150 mg once as a single dose
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush)	200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg daily for at least two weeks
Esophageal candidiasis (esophageal fungal infection)	200 mg on the first day, followed by 100-400 mg daily for at least three weeks
Urinary tract infections and peritonitis	50-200 mg once daily
Systemic Candida infections, such as candidemia and pneumonia	Up to 400 mg once daily
Cryptococcal meningitis (fungal infection of the brain and spinal cord)	400 mg on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily
Prevention of candidiasis in people undergoing bone marrow transplantation	400 mg once daily

How often can you take fluconazole?

The frequency of fluconazole administration depends on the condition for which it is prescribed. Fluconazole is usually taken once as a single dose or once daily. This is because its half-life is relatively long, so the drug stays in the bloodstream long enough to allow for once-a-day dosing. 

Precautions, side effects, and interactions

 Although most people tolerate fluconazole well, certain side effects may occur. The most common side effects of fluconazole are:

• Headaches
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Acid indigestion
• Lightheadedness
• Changes in taste

 It’s also possible for certain medications you are taking to interact poorly with fluconazole.

Medications to ask your healthcare provider about in terms of possible interactions with fluconazole include:

• Blood thinners
• Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications)
• Certain immunosuppressants
• Corticosteroids
• Fluoroquinolone
• Antipsychotic medications
• Macrolide antibiotics
• Narcotic pain relievers
• Heart medication for irregular heartbeats

“Typically, a one-time dose will not cause a drug-drug interaction,” says Dr. Gray. However, she advises people always to inform their doctor if they are taking any of the medications listed above and receive prescriptions for fluconazole.

Finally, certain individuals shouldn’t take fluconazole, and others should consult their doctor before taking it. This includes:

• People with liver problems
• People with kidney disease
• Pregnant individuals

What to avoid while taking fluconazole

Fluconazole can interact with multiple medications. Combining fluconazole with certain medications can increase your risk of side effects. Therefore, it is a good idea to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking before starting fluconazole. Also, avoid starting any new medications, supplements, or vitamins while taking fluconazole unless approved by a healthcare provider. 

Fluconazole may also cause harm to the unborn baby during pregnancy. It should not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, tell your healthcare professional before starting fluconazole. 

Lastly, fluconazole can cause liver damage. Because alcohol can also harm the liver, it is usually recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during fluconazole treatment, as combining the two can increase the risk of liver problems. 

Fluconazole alternatives for yeast infections

There are several ways to treat yeast infections. These include both over-the-counter treatments and prescription treatments, such as fluconazole.

Prescription yeast infection treatments are:

• Nystatin
• Ciclopirox
• Clotrimazole (also available over-the-counter)

Examples of over-the-counter yeast infection treatment include:

• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Tioconazole

Which yeast infection treatment to use depends on your health profile, what other medications you are taking, how severe your yeast infection is, and whether or not you are experiencing a recurrent infection. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will help you pick a medication that works best for your situation.

Related: Monistat vs. diflucan

FAQs

How often can you take fluconazole for a yeast infection?

Most of the time, a one-time 150 mg dose of fluconazole is all that’s needed to treat a vaginal yeast infection. More stubborn vaginal yeast infections may require additional doses, spaced out over several days. Other types of yeast infections require different fluconazole treatment dosages; your healthcare provider will help you develop a dosing plan.

How long does it take fluconazole to work for a yeast infection?

Fluconazole typically begins to work within 24 to 48 hours. Other types of yeast infections or severe infections may take more time and require more than one dose.

Can men take fluconazole for a yeast infection?

The types of genital yeast infections that men get are jock itch and balanitis, a condition characterized by penile inflammation. Both of these male yeast infections can be treated with antifungal drugs, including fluconazole.