Posted by Francois (204.44.156.194) on February 09, 2000 at 20:30:30:
In Reply to: Diflucan posted by Keith Siler on February 09, 2000 at 14:31:35:
Why are you going in this direction? If you really love your wife, get a proper diagnosis for her from a neurologist, first - not a GP, not an internist - a neurologist. Then, talk with him about more standard cluster treatments (if that is what he or she concludes). Imitrex for peaks, and (here I go again) verapamil, predisone, lithium carbonate (always controversial but successful for many), nortriptyline (my maintenance drug), or one of the other more frequently mentioned medications on this site are prescribed first. I should add oxygen, too. If she has migraines, treatment is different.
Here is a brief summary of fluconazole (Diflucan) you can consider from Clinical Pharmacology Online:
What do fluconazole tablets do?
FLUCONAZOLE (Diflucan®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats serious fungal infections found throughout the body. These include oral candidiasis or thrush infections of the mouth or throat, vaginal yeast infections, candidal infection of the urinary tract, meningitis, and others. Generic fluconazole tablets are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take fluconazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•other chronic illness
•an unusual or allergic reaction to fluconazole, or other azole medicines, other foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take fluconazole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take the tablets with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of tablets prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with fluconazole?
•cilostazol
•cisapride
•cyclosporine
•medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
•phenytoin
•pimozide
•rifabutin
•rifampin
•tacrolimus
•warfarin
•water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking fluconazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•dark yellow or brown urine
•dizziness
•skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin, including inside the mouth
•stomach pain
•unusual bruising or bleeding
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about these side effects if they do not go away or if they annoy you.
What do I need to watch for while I take fluconazole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few weeks. Some fungal infections need many weeks or months of treatment to cure. Keep taking your medicine regularly for as long as your prescriber or health care professional tells you to.
If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood and liver function tests.
Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Do not take alcoholic drinks while you take this medicine.
If you have a vaginal infection, do not have sex until you have finished your treatment. Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin; do not use tampons. Wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.