As with most medications, it can cause side effects.
SJS is rare but can be life-threatening.
It can cause blistering and peeling skin and also presents with fever and flu-like symptoms.
Getty Images / ridvan_celik
This side effect may be severe but is reversed by stopping fluconazole therapy or reducing the daily dose.
Adjusting the dosage or stopping use should only be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Headache
Headache is the most common side effect in people taking a large dose of fluconazole.
Also, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Talk to your healthcare provider if the headaches become severe or are persistent.
Nausea
Nausea is another more common side effect of fluconazole, usually associated with a larger dose.
In two clinical studies, 7% of people taking 150 mg of fluconazole reported feeling nauseated.
While uncomfortable, fluconazole-related nausea is not serious or life-threatening.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is a common side effect of fluconazole.
In most cases, it is not severe and does not require medical attention.
In rare cases, less than 1% of people experienced indigestion and loss of taste.
Diarrhea
Antibiotic-associated diarrheais a potential side effect of antibacterial and antifungal drugs.
It is more common in people taking fluconazole for more than one week.
While skin rashes can be mild, they can also indicate more severe skin-related side effects.
These are rare but can include skin reactions as part of their symptoms.
Higher levels of these enzymes occurring within the first few weeks of treatment can indicateliver damage.
Most people recover after stopping fluconazole, although recovery may take a few weeks in some cases.
Liver injury can be fatal in people with severe underlying medical conditions such as AIDS and cancer.
People who have abnormal liver function tests during fluconazole therapy should be monitored to avoid more severe liver injury.
You may need to stop taking the drug if you develop severe symptoms.
These medical conditions may worsen during fluconazole therapy.
This condition can be hazardous and even life-threatening.
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
However, it may take two to three weeks in people with kidney disease.
Side effects usually improve shortly after stopping treatment.
Summary
Fluconazole is an antifungal commonly used to treat various infections of different body organs.
Fluconazole may also cause some severe side effects, including heart and liver function problems.
Most side effects usually disappear after discontinuing the fluconazole therapy.
However, if you experience severe side effects, consult your healthcare provider.
Davis MR, Nguyen MH, Donnelley MA, Thompson Iii GR.Tolerability of long-term fluconazole therapy.J Antimicrob Chemother.
2019;74(3):768-771. doi:10.1093/jac/dky501
MedlinePlus.Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.
DailyMed.Label: fluconazole tablet.
Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-.Fluconazole.
Tamura K, Nakaharai K, Yoshida M.Frequent premature ventricular contractions induced by fluconazole: A case report.IDCases.
2024;36:e01952.