Fluconazole 150mg

Most patients start to feel an improvement in their thrush symptoms within one to three days of taking the capsule, although it can take up to a week for symptoms to settle fully. The symptom relief is not immediate as Fluconazole has to be absorbed through the digestive system, reach the site of the infection and disrupt the growth of Candida over time.

If your symptoms have not improved after seven days, have worsened at any point during treatment, or have returned shortly after clearing, speak with a pharmacist or your GP before taking another capsule. Persistent or recurrent symptoms can sometimes indicate a different type of infection or an underlying cause that needs to be identified.

Fluconazole itself stays in the body for around six to nine days after a single 150mg dose, with the active ingredient working at the site of the infection throughout that period.

Fluconazole 150mg Capsule is suitable for most adults aged 18 to 60. The full course is a single 150mg capsule, and no more than one capsule should be taken within seven days of treatment.

Do not take Fluconazole 150mg Capsule and speak to your GP if you:

• Are under 18 or over 60 years of age
• Have symptoms of thrush for the first time and have not previously been diagnosed by a doctor or pharmacist
• Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding
• Have had an allergic reaction to fluconazole, other antifungals or thrush treatments, or any other ingredient in the capsule
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have heart problems, including heart rhythm problems
• Have any other chronic condition, such as diabetes
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (as Fluconazole capsule contains lactose)
• Have a rare inherited blood disorder called acute porphyria
• Have been told you have abnormal potassium, calcium or magnesium levels
• Have had more than two thrush infections in the last six months
• Have a history of a sexually transmitted infection or have been exposed to a partner with a sexually transmitted infection
• Are taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine or erythromycin
• Are taking any other regular medicine, other than the contraceptive pill (please check with your pharmacist or GP)

Women should not use Fluconazole 150mg Capsule and should see a GP if experiencing any of the following:

• Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, or a blood-stained discharge
• Vulval or vaginal ulcers, blisters or sores
• Lower abdominal pain or pain when passing urine
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Men should not use Fluconazole 150mg Capsule and should see a GP if experiencing any of the following:

• Penile sores, ulcers or blisters
• Abnormal penile discharge
• An unusual or unpleasant smell from the penis
• Pain when passing urine

Like all medicines, Fluconazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and rash.

Stop taking Fluconazole and seek medical advice urgently if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, unusual bruising, frequent infections, a fast or irregular heartbeat or a severe skin rash.

Seek emergency medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, fainting or a widespread blistering rash.

Fluconazole 150mg Capsule is usually not recommended during pregnancy unless your GP decides it is necessary, as other treatments such as clotrimazole are usually preferred first. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife before using Fluconazole so they can confirm whether it is suitable for you.

It is recommended to use effective contraception during sexual intercourse while taking Fluconazole and for at least one week after the dose. If you find out or suspect you are pregnant after taking Fluconazole, speak with your GP for advice.

Yes. Fluconazole 150mg Capsule can be used alongside an external antifungal cream to address both the internal and external symptoms of thrush at the same time. Clotrimazole External 1% Cream is commonly used in combination with Fluconazole, with the capsule working from within while the cream helps soothe external itching, soreness and irritation around the affected area.

For patients who would prefer a single product, Canesten Duo contains both an oral capsule and an external cream in one pack.

Alongside taking Fluconazole 150mg Capsule, a few small adjustments can help ease symptoms during treatment and reduce the chances of thrush returning. The following measures are commonly recommended by pharmacists and the NHS.

While treating an active infection:

• Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms have fully cleared, or use a condom if you do have sex. Some antifungal creams can weaken latex condoms, so check the packaging if you are using a combination treatment
• Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid tights, leggings or synthetic fabrics that trap moisture
• Change out of damp swimwear, gym wear or sweaty clothing as soon as possible
• Wash the affected area with water and a plain, unperfumed emollient or soap substitute, and pat dry rather than rubbing
• Avoid scented soaps, shower gels, bubble baths, vaginal deodorants and douches, which can disrupt the natural balance of the skin and mucous membranes
• Women should wipe front to back after using the toilet to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading
• Do not share towels, flannels or underwear with other members of your household

To help reduce the chances of thrush returning:

• If you have diabetes, speak with your GP for advice on how to control your blood sugar levels, as high blood sugar can encourage Candida growth
• Be mindful of antibiotic use where possible, as antibiotics can disrupt the body's natural bacteria. Probiotics may help support natural balance, particularly during and after a course of antibiotics
• Avoid using vaginal washes, scented intimate products or douching, even between flare-ups
• Consider whether stress, hormonal changes or your contraceptive method may be contributing factors if you experience recurrent thrush
• Eat a varied, balanced diet and stay well hydrated. While there is no specific diet that prevents thrush, supporting your overall immune health is helpful
• If you have had more than two thrush infections in the past six months, speak with your GP. Recurrent thrush can sometimes point to an underlying cause that may benefit from further investigation or a longer treatment plan

Yes. Fluconazole 150mg Capsule, Canesten Oral Capsule and Diflucan all contain the same active ingredient at the same strength: 150mg of fluconazole. The clinical effect is the same regardless of which brand is chosen.

The main differences between them are the inactive ingredients in the capsule shell, the packaging appearance and the price. Diflucan is the original branded version made by Pfizer and is the most expensive option.

Canesten Oral Capsule is a branded version by Bayer, sold within the wider Canesten thrush range.

Fluconazole 150mg Capsule is the generic version, which offers the same active ingredient at a lower cost.

Other thrush treatments in the Canesten range, such as Canesten Duo (an oral Fluconazole capsule and Clotrimazole external cream) and Canesten Pessary, contain different active ingredients and work in different ways.

No. Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine, not an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, while antifungals such as fluconazole are used to treat infections caused by fungi and yeasts, including Candida.

This is an important distinction, as taking antibiotics is one of the common triggers of thrush. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body that normally keeps Candida levels consistent, which sometimes leads to an overgrowth of yeast and a thrush flare-up.

Fluconazole 150mg Capsule is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK. This means it is not available on general sale, but it can be supplied by a registered pharmacy without a prescription following a short suitability assessment by a pharmacist.

At Pharmica, this assessment is carried out through a short online questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about your symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are taking. The information is reviewed by our pharmacy team to make sure Fluconazole is appropriate for you before your order is dispensed and delivered in discreet packaging.

If Fluconazole is not suitable for you, our pharmacists can suggest an alternative thrush treatment such as Clotrimazole External 1% or Canesten Pessary.

Yes. Fluconazole 150mg Capsule is licensed for use in both men and women to treat genital thrush. In men, thrush is known as candidal balanitis and typically affects the head of the penis and the foreskin, causing redness, itching, irritation and sometimes a white discharge.

The dose for men is the same as for women: a single 150mg capsule swallowed whole with water. Symptoms usually start to improve within a few days, with most men seeing full relief within a week. Speak with a pharmacist or your GP if symptoms have not settled after seven days, or if thrush has returned more than once.

Although thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, it can occasionally pass between partners during sex.

Partners do not usually need treatment unless they also have symptoms. If both partners have symptoms, both may need treatment at the same time to reduce the risk of symptoms passing back and forth.

No. The 150mg single-dose Fluconazole Capsule sold for thrush is licensed for the treatment of genital thrush only. Oral thrush is treated with different antifungal medicines, and any fluconazole prescribed for oral thrush would be at a lower daily dose (typically 50mg taken once a day for 7 to 14 days) under medical supervision, not as a single 150mg capsule.

For oral thrush, Daktarin Oral Gel is a commonly used and effective treatment. It contains miconazole 2%, an antifungal applied directly to the affected areas of the mouth and throat, which works on contact with the infection rather than through the bloodstream. A standard course is applied four times a day for at least seven days, and for two further days after symptoms have cleared.

Speak with your GP if you have persistent oral thrush, symptoms that have not responded to treatment with Daktarin Oral Gel, or if oral thrush is occurring in an infant, an older adult or someone with a weakened immune system, as these cases may need a tailored treatment.

There is no established direct interaction between fluconazole and alcohol, and a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to affect how the capsule works. However, it is recommended to limit alcohol while you have an active thrush infection. Alcohol can contain high levels of sugars that can contribute to Candida overgrowth. It can also irritate the skin and weaken the body's natural defences, which can slow recovery.

If you experience any side effects from Fluconazole, such as nausea or dizziness, avoid alcohol until they have settled.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that may help support the body's natural microbial balance, including the bacteria that normally keep Candida levels consistent. While probiotics are not a treatment for an active thrush infection, some patients find them helpful as a supportive measure alongside antifungal medication, particularly after a course of antibiotics, during periods of stress or for those who experience recurrent thrush.

OneVit Probiotics Complex contains a blend of Lactobacillus and other beneficial strains in a single daily capsule, which can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and reduce the risk of future infections.

Store Fluconazole in its original packaging in a cool, dry place, out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the capsule after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

If you no longer need the medicine, return it to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than putting it in household waste or wastewater.

Each capsule contains 150mg of fluconazole as the active ingredient.

The inactive ingredients can vary between manufacturers but may include lactose, gelatin, titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and colourants such as sunset yellow (E110) or quinoline yellow (E104). Always check the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine if you have allergies or intolerances.