Fluconazole:a valuable fungistatic

Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an important drug in obstetrics and gynecology in treating vaginal yeast infections. It is fungistatic and indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal, esophageal, vaginal, and systemic candidiasis; urinary tract infections; peritonitis; cryptococcal meningitis; and as prophylaxis for bone marrow transplant recipients. It is preferred by many patients for treatment of vaginal candidiasis because it is easier to use than topical medications. It has proven to be as effective as the standard intravaginal creams, mainly because of its ability to penetrate well into body fluids and tissues. Fluconazole’s side effects are mild to moderate in nature. They include gastrointestinal disturbances and headaches. Fluconazole also may interact with many drugs. It is contraindicated in patients taking cisapride and terfenadine. It potentiates oral hypoglycemic agents and may cause patients to have symptomatic hypoglycemia. It also increases the prothrombin time in patients on oral anticoagulants. A single 150-mg dose costs approximately $12.00.