Fluconazole 0.2% IV

Fluconazole 0.2% IV belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungus and is used to treat infections of the mouth, throat, vagina and other parts of the body. It kills fungi by destroying the fungal cell membrane.

Fluconazole 0.2% IV is an injectable drug and given as a drip by a healthcare professional. It is a triazole antifungal agent that is a potent inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes.

• Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Used for treatment of mouth and throat fungal infections.
• Esophageal Candidiasis: Used for treatment of esophageal fungal infections.
• Systemic Candidiasis: Used for treatment of blood and internal organ fungal infections.
• Cryptococcal Meningitis: Used for treatment of brain fungal infections.
• Prophylaxis: Used for prevention of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.

Drugs for subcutaneous and mycoses

Triazole Antifungal

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It is a potent inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes. Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system is essential component of fungal cell membrane which is responsible for the synthesis of ergosterol.

Fluconazole decreases ergosterol synthesis by interfering with cytochrome P450 activity, thus inhibiting cell membrane formation of susceptible fungi.

Adult Dose (IV):

• Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Day 1: 200 mg, then 100 mg daily (at least 2 weeks).
• Esophageal Candidiasis: Day 1: 200 mg, then 100 mg daily (up to 400 mg/day); at least 3 weeks.
• Systemic Candidiasis/Cryptococcal Infections: Day 1: 400 mg, then 200-400 mg daily; cryptococcal meningitis: 10-12 weeks.
• Bone Marrow Transplant Prophylaxis: 400 mg daily (start several days before neutropenia, continue 7 days after neutrophil count >1000).

Child Dose (IV):

• Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Day 1: 6 mg/kg, then 3 mg/kg daily.
• Esophageal Candidiasis: 6 mg/kg Day 1, then 3 mg/kg daily (up to 12 mg/kg/day).
• Cryptococcal Meningitis: Day 1: 12 mg/kg, then 6 mg/kg daily.

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine; do not self administer. Administered as IV drip.

If you miss a dose of Fluconazole 0.2% IV, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash
• Vomiting

Precautions:

• Fluconazole 0.2% IV may cause dizziness or seizures which may affect driving ability.
• Prescribed to cure infection and improve symptoms.
• Do not skip doses and finish the full course of treatment.
• Inform doctor if shortness of breath, swelling in face and throat, or drop in blood pressure occurs.
• Use a reliable method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
• Inform doctor if yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain occurs.
• Liver function may be checked before and during treatment.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity
• Advanced liver disease

Drug Interactions:

• Oral hypoglycemics, phenytoin, theophylline, rifabutin: May increase plasma concentrations.
• Anticoagulants: May increase prothrombin time.
• Cyclosporine: May cause significant increase in levels.
• Rifampicin: Reduces fluconazole levels.
• Tacrolimus: May increase risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Potentially Fatal: Cardiac arrhythmias or QT prolongation with terfenadine, cisapride, astemizole, pimozide, quinidine.

Food Interactions: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol; consult your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy: Fluconazole 0.2% IV is unsafe during pregnancy; definite evidence of risk to the developing baby; doctor may prescribe in life-threatening situations.

Use in Lactation: Fluconazole 0.2% IV is safe during breastfeeding; does not pass into breastmilk in significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Pediatric Use: Child dosage provided above (mg/kg based on weight).

Geriatric Use: Normal dose should be used if there is no evidence of renal impairment.

Renal Impairment: Fluconazole 0.2% IV is probably unsafe; caution required; adjust dosage intervals based on CrCl; hemodialysis patients: usual dose after each session.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed.

Overdose: Supportive measures and symptomatic treatment (gastric lavage if necessary); fluconazole is excreted largely in urine; hemodialysis decreases plasma levels by approximately 50%.

Storage: Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.

Fluconazole 0.2% IV