What is Fluconazole?
Fluconazole is an effective treatment designed to deal with a number of fungal infections. It can be taken differently depending on the type of infection you have. For vaginal yeast infections, it’s taken as a single-dose capsule, which is usually powerful enough to clear your infection.
The active ingredient in the capsules, fluconazole, belongs to a class of medications called antifungals. They’re used to clear fungal infections, usually of the hair, skin, and nails. As well as yeast infections, antifungals are prescribed for ringworm, athlete’s foot, and nail fungus.[1]
In one study, infections treated with fluconazole were found to have a ‘lower recurrence rate’ when compared with a topical treatment (one that is applied directly to the surface of your body, such as your skin).[2] This means your infection could be less likely to return when you use fluconazole instead of other antifungal medications.
Just like the parts of our body where we commonly find them, fungal infections come in all shapes and sizes. They’re usually nothing to worry about and can be treated simply and easily.
There are many different ways of contracting a fungal infection. Sometimes they can be caused by coming into contact with a fungus, but not always. In some situations, conditions inside the body or on the surface of the skin can provide optimal conditions for some fungi that already ‘lives’ on us to develop and thrive.
How does Fluconazole work?
Fluconazole works by stopping a problem fungus from producing a substance called ergosterol. This is the glue that holds the fungi cells together. Without this glue, the fungus can’t sustain itself and the infection clears up.
Interestingly, there have been studies looking at combining Fluconazole with anti-cancer drugs to enhance the effect of it[3]. (But this has been more to investigate the effects of the anit-cancer drug than Fluconazole.)
There are a whole host of fungi that our bodies come into contact with on a daily basis. Some might cause ringworm, some might cause athlete’s foot, and some live harmlessly on our skin for years. It’s when conditions are right for fungus to develop that an infection occurs.
Fungal infections like vaginal thrush are nothing to do with hygiene; they’re actually the result of too much yeast being present in the vagina. Some people feel irritated and uncomfortable when experiencing infections like thrush, so they think they need to shower or bathe more often. But it’s important not to wash excessively with perfumed soaps as that might further upset the PH balance of your skin, and make the infection worse. If you think you have a fungal infection, it’s best to seek treatment for it.
What doses of Fluconazole are there?
The dosage of fluconazole you take depends on what type of fungus is causing the problem. For vaginal yeast infections, the recommended dose is 150mg. It’s usually taken as a single-dose capsule. This might be adjusted by a doctor if you have a particularly severe infection, or a persistent infection that hasn’t cleared up.
If you take Fluconazole but still have symptoms after finishing your course, you should ask a medical provider for further advice.
