Can you take fluconazole for yeast infections?

In this article:

• Does fluconazole work for yeast infections?
• Fluconazole dosages for a yeast infection
• Precautions, side effects, and interactions
• Fluconazole alternatives for yeast infections

In this article

• Does fluconazole work for yeast infections?
• Fluconazole dosages for a yeast infection
• Precautions, side effects, and interactions
• Fluconazole alternatives for yeast infections

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 highly effective at clearing up yeast infections, usually with a single dose.

Does fluconazole work for yeast infections?

Fluconazole can treat yeast infections that are caused by a fungus called Candida. The most well known type of yeast infections fluconazole is prescribed are 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 good option for people who don’t want to use topical yeast infection treatments, like over-the-counter or prescription topical creams or suppositories for yeast infections. 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 all it takes is one dose 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 a yeast infection and how often you can take it.

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

Most of the time, fluconazole is dosed at 150 mg for a vaginal yeast infection, but sometimes higher doses are needed. “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 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

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. But she urges people to always remind 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 talk to their doctor before taking fluconazole. This includes:

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

Fluconazole alternatives for yeast infections

There are several different ways that you can treat yeast infections. These include both over-the-counter treatments as well as prescription treatments, like 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 provider will help you come up with a dosing plan. 

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

Fluconazole typically starts to work in about 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 infections?

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