Fluconazole

The Basics

What is Fluconazole?

Used to prevent and treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections.

Brand names for Fluconazole

Diflucan

How Fluconazole is classified

Antifungal Agents

Fluconazole During Pregnancy

Fluconazole pregnancy category

Category N/A

Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Fluconazole while pregnant

Use in pregnancy should be avoided except in patients with severe or potentially life-threatening fungal infections in whom fluconazole may be used if the anticipated benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. A few published case reports describe a pattern of distinct congenital anomalies in infants exposed in utero to high dose maternal fluconazole (400 to 800 mg/day) during most or all of the first trimester. These reported anomalies are similar to those seen in animal studies. Effective contraceptive measures should be considered in women of child-bearing potential who are being treated with DIFLUCAN 400 to 800 mg/day and should continue throughout the treatment period and for approximately 1 week (5 to 6 half-lives) after the final dose. If DIFLUCAN is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking the drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus. Spontaneous abortions and congenital abnormalities have been suggested as potential risks associated with 150 mg of fluconazole as a single or repeated dose in the first trimester of pregnancy based on retrospective epidemiological studies. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of DIFLUCAN in pregnant women. (See WARNINGS: Potential For Fetal Harm.)

Taking Fluconazole While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is acceptable in nursing mothers because amounts excreted into breastmilk are less than the neonatal fluconazole dosage.[1] Although no adequate clinical studies on fluconazole in Candida mastitis have been published, a survey of members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine found that fluconazole is often prescribed for nursing mothers to treat breast candidiasis, especially with recurrent or persistent infections.[2] Treatment of the mother and infant simultaneously with fluconazole is often used when other treatments fail.[2][3][4][5] The most common maternal dosage regimen is 400 mg once, followed by 200 mg daily for at least 2 weeks or until pain is resolved,[6][7] although a study in Australia used a dose of 150 mg every other day until breast pain resolved.[8] The dosage of fluconazole in breastmilk with these maternal dosages is not sufficient to treat oral thrush in the infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Fluconazole is acceptable in nursing mothers because amounts excreted into breastmilk are less than the neonatal fluconazole dosage.[1] Although no adequate clinical studies on fluconazole in Candida mastitis have been published, a survey of members of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine found that fluconazole is often prescribed for nursing mothers to treat breast candidiasis, especially with recurrent or persistent infections.[2] Treatment of the mother and infant simultaneously with fluconazole is often used when other treatments fail.[2][3][4][5] The most common maternal dosage regimen is 400 mg once, followed by 200 mg daily for at least 2 weeks or until pain is resolved,[6][7] although a study in Australia used a dose of 150 mg every other day until breast pain resolved.[8] The dosage of fluconazole in breastmilk with these maternal dosages is not sufficient to treat oral thrush in the infant.

Possible effects of Fluconazole on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Fluconazole

Clotrimazole, Miconazole.