Does fluconazole flush out yeast/discharge?

Drugs.com

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Fluconazole inhibits the growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which is most commonly responsible for vaginal yeast infections. This allows our body’s defenses to eliminate the fungus and resolve the discharge. It does this by blocking the effects of an enzyme called lanosterol 14-α-demethylase which is responsible for the formation of ergosterol, an important component of the yeast’s cell wall. This causes toxic substances to build up inside the yeast, reducing its ability to multiply and cause an infection.

Fluconazole is usually prescribed as a single 150 mg dose and an improvement in symptoms is usually seen within one to three days. Typically, in 90% of women, a single dose will clear the infection with vaginal yeast cultures becoming negative within 72 to 96 hours. However, 40 to 60% of women who experience success with fluconazole get another yeast infection within 30 days of treatment, usually with the same strain of yeast, indicating that not all the yeast from the original infection was eliminated.

If the yeast infection recurs or symptoms are not completely relieved, or the infection is severe, fluconazole can be prescribed as three consecutive doses, given three days apart. Symptoms should improve within one to two weeks. If symptoms continue despite this treatment, you may be infected with an unusual strain of yeast or even bacteria so you should see your doctor.

Related medical questions

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords