Consumer medicine information

Diflucan One

Fluconazole

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Diflucan One

Active ingredient

Fluconazole

Schedule

S3

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Diflucan One.

What is Diflucan One used for?

Diflucan One is used to treat vaginal thrush.

If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, talk to your doctor before using any treatment.

Vaginal thrush

Most women experience vaginal thrush at some point during their lives. Thrush is the common name given to a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by Candida, a type of yeast. Many women have this yeast living harmlessly within their bodies. However, some factors can cause an upset in the natural balance inside the vagina and an overgrowth of yeast can occur. These factors may include use of antibiotics, hormonal changes (during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause), diabetes, the contraceptive pill, wearing tight clothing, or using perfumed soaps, bath additives and vaginal deodorants. When the levels of yeast become too high, thrush develops.

Common thrush symptoms

You may experience one or more of these common symptoms:

  • Vaginal itching
  • Vaginal burning and redness
  • Pain during intercourse
  • A thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, usually odourless

Rubbing and scratching can aggravate the soreness and itching. Also, the salt in urine can sting the sore tissue.

Before using Diflucan One

Do not use Diflucan One:

  • If you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
  • If you are hypersensitive to any of the DIFLUCAN® One ingredients or any other thrush treatment.
  • If you are taking cisapride (a medicine to treat stomach problems).

Do not use Diflucan One unless you have spoken to your doctor:

  • If you are taking any medicine. Some medicines and Diflucan One may interfere with each other. These include phenytoin (for epilepsy), warfarin (to prevent blood clots) and oral hypoglycaemics (for diabetes). Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Diflucan One if you are taking warfarin, as bleeding or bruising may occur.
  • If you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms.
  • If you have had thrush more than twice in the last six months.
  • If you are diabetic.
  • If you have any disease or illness affecting your liver or kidneys or have had unexplained jaundice.
  • If you have had heart problems.
  • If you or your partner have had exposure to a sexually transmitted disease.
  • If you have any abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding or a blood stained discharge.
  • If you have vulval or vaginal sores, ulcers or blisters.
  • If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain or burning on passing urine.

How to use Diflucan One

The complete Diflucan One course of treatment for thrush is one capsule, once.

Take by mouth with a drink of water at any time of day, with or without food.

You should notice an improvement in your symptoms in a day or two. Consult your doctor if you are no better in three days or if the thrush returns.

Diflucan One is not recommended for children.

What side effects may I experience after taking Diflucan One?

Taking this medicine may cause mild side effects such as nausea or feeling sick, headache, stomach pain, indigestion or diarrhoea.

Consult your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

A few people develop allergic reactions to medicines. If you experience difficulty with breathing, facial swelling or severe itchiness or skin rashes, consult your doctor immediately.

Be careful when driving vehicles or operating machinery as occasional dizziness or seizures may occur

How to avoid thrush in future

  • Wear cotton briefs, stockings and loose-fitting clothes rather than tight synthetic clothing.
  • Wash regularly but do not wash and dry yourself too harshly.
  • Avoid perfumed soaps, bath additives and vaginal deodorants.

What is in Diflucan One?

The Diflucan One pack contains one capsule. Each light turquoise blue capsule contains 150 mg fluconazole.

Other ingredients are colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, maize starch, lactose, sodium lauryl sulfate, the colours patent blue V, TekPrint SW-9008 black ink and titanium dioxide and a gelatin capsule shell.

Fluconazole is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of infections such as thrush.

Diflucan One 150 mg: AUST R 100956.

Who supplies Diflucan One?

Diflucan One is supplied in Australia by:

Johnson & Johnson Pacific
AUSTRALIA • NEW ZEALAND
45 Jones Street, Ultimo NSW 2007, AUSTRALIA and Auckland, NEW ZEALAND

® Registered Trademark Pfizer Products Inc.

Storing Diflucan One

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Do not use after the date stamped on the pack.

Store below 30°C. Keep dry. Protect from light.

Date of Preparation: September 2017

Published by MIMS January 2019

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Diflucan One

Active ingredient

Fluconazole

Schedule

S3

 

1 Name of Medicine

Fluconazole.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each Diflucan One capsule contains 150 mg fluconazole.
Diflucan One also contains lactose and sugars.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Diflucan One is presented as a blue capsule printed with Flu-150.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Diflucan One is indicated for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Diflucan One is administered orally.

Adults.

For vaginal candidiasis when topical therapy has failed, fluconazole 150 mg (Diflucan One) should be administered as a single oral dose.

Children.

Single dose fluconazole is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age except under doctor supervision.

Use in renal impairment.

Fluconazole is predominantly excreted in the urine as unchanged drug. No adjustments in single-dose therapy are necessary in patients with minor to moderate renal impairment.

4.3 Contraindications

Fluconazole should not be used in patients with known sensitivity to fluconazole; to related azole compounds; or to any of its excipients.
Co-administration of other drugs known to prolong the QT interval and which are metabolised via the enzyme CYP3A4 such as cisapride, astemizole, erythromycin, pimozide and quinidine are contraindicated (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Co-administration of terfenadine is contraindicated in patients receiving fluconazole at multiple doses of 400 mg per day or higher based upon results of a multiple dose interaction study.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Fluconazole has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatic toxicity including fatalities, primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions. In cases of fluconazole-associated hepatotoxicity, no obvious relationship to total daily dose, duration of therapy, sex or age of patient has been observed. Diflucan One should not be used again if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to fluconazole (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Patients have rarely developed exfoliative cutaneous reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, during treatment with fluconazole. AIDS patients are more prone to the development of serious cutaneous reactions to many drugs. Fluconazole should not be used again if a rash develops which is attributable to fluconazole.
In rare cases, as with other azoles, anaphylaxis has been reported.
Some azoles, including fluconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram. Fluconazole causes QT prolongation via the inhibition of Rectifier Potassium Channel current (Ikr). The QT prolongation caused by other medicinal products (such as amiodarone) may be amplified via the inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions). During post-marketing surveillance, there have been very rare cases of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes in patients taking fluconazole. These reports included seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities and concomitant medications that may have been contributory (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Patients with hypokalemia and advanced cardiac failure are at an increased risk for the occurrence of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes.
Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with these potentially proarrhythmic conditions (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
The co-administration of fluconazole at doses lower than 400 mg per day with terfenadine should be carefully monitored.
Fluconazole is a potent CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 inhibitor and a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Fluconazole treated patients who are concomitantly treated with drugs with a narrow therapeutic window metabolized through CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 should be monitored (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.)
Adrenal insufficiency has been reported in patients receiving other azoles (e.g. ketoconazole).
Reversible cases of adrenal insufficiency were reported in patients receiving fluconazole. Studies have shown an increasing prevalence of infections with Candida species other than C. albicans. These are often resistant (e.g. C. krusei and C. auris) or show reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (C. glabrata). Such infections may require alternative antifungal therapy secondary to treatment failure. Therefore, prescribers are advised to take into account the prevalence of resistance in various Candida species to fluconazole (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties).
Diflucan One capsules contain lactose and should not be given to patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Paediatric use.

Diflucan One is not recommended for use in children.

Use in the elderly.

No adjustments in single-dose therapy are necessary in elderly patients with minor to moderate renal impairment.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with liver dysfunction.

Use in renal impairment.

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with renal dysfunction.

Effect on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The relevance of the following drug interactions to single dose fluconazole is unknown. Patients on other medications should be advised to consult their doctor or pharmacist before starting fluconazole.
Fluconazole is an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 system, particularly the CYP2C and to a lesser extent the CYP3A isoforms. There are possibilities that other drugs may affect the metabolism of fluconazole and that fluconazole may affect the metabolism of other drugs. In vitro studies conducted in human hepatic microsomes, demonstrate that the extent of inhibition of CYP3A isoforms is lowest with fluconazole, when compared with ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Fluconazole is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes 2C9 and 2C19 and a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. In addition to the observed/documented interactions mentioned below, there is a risk of increased plasma concentration of other compounds metabolized by CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 co-administered with fluconazole. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using these combinations and the patients should be carefully monitored. The enzyme inhibiting effect of fluconazole persists 4 to 5 days after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment due to the long half-life of fluconazole (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Hydrochlorothiazide.

Concomitant oral administration of 100 mg fluconazole and 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide for 10 days in normal volunteers resulted in an increase of 41% in Cmax and an increase of 43% in AUC of fluconazole, compared to fluconazole given alone. An effect of this magnitude should not necessitate a change in the fluconazole dose regimen in subjects receiving diuretics, although the prescriber should bear it in mind.

Rifampicin.

Administration of a single oral 200 mg dose of fluconazole after chronic rifampicin administration resulted in a 25% decrease in AUC and a 20% shorter half-life of fluconazole in normal volunteers. Depending on clinical circumstances, an increase of the dose of fluconazole should be considered when it is administered with rifampicin.

Alfentanil.

A study observed a reduction in clearance and distribution volume as well as prolongation of t1/2 of alfentanil following concomitant treatment with fluconazole. A possible mechanism of action is fluconazole's inhibition of CYP3A4. Dosage adjustment of alfentanil may be necessary.

Amiodarone.

Concomitant administration of fluconazole with amiodarone may increase QT prolongation. Caution must be exercised if the concomitant use of fluconazole and amiodarone is necessary, notably with high dose fluconazole (800 mg).

Amitriptyline, nortriptyline.

Fluconazole increases the effect of amitriptyline and nortriptyline. 5-nortriptyline and/or S-amitriptyline may be measured at initiation of the combination therapy and after one week. Dosage of amitriptyline/ nortriptyline should be adjusted, if necessary.

Amphotericin B.

Concurrent administration of fluconazole and amphotericin B in infected normal and immunosuppressed mice showed the following results: a small additive antifungal effect in systemic infection with C. albicans, no interaction in intracranial infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, and antagonism of the two drugs in systemic infection with A. fumigatus. The clinical significance of results obtained in these studies is unknown.

Anticoagulants.

In an interaction study, fluconazole increased the prothrombin time (12%) after warfarin administration in healthy males. In post-marketing experience, as with other azole antifungals, bleeding events (bruising, epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, and melena) have been reported, in association with increases in prothrombin time in patients receiving fluconazole concurrently with warfarin. Prothrombin time in patients receiving coumarin type anticoagulants should be carefully monitored. Dose adjustment of warfarin may be necessary.

Astemizole.

Concomitant administration of fluconazole with astemizole may decrease the clearance of astemizole. Resulting increased plasma concentrations of astemizole can lead to QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsade de pointes. Co-administration of fluconazole and astemizole is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Azithromycin.

An open-label, randomized, three-way crossover study in 18 healthy subjects assessed the effect of a single 1200 mg oral dose of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of a single 800 mg oral dose of fluconazole as well as the effects of fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between fluconazole and azithromycin.

Carbamazepine.

Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of carbamazepine and an increase in serum carbamazepine of 30% has been observed. There is a risk of developing carbamazepine toxicity. Dosage adjustment of carbamazepine may be necessary depending on concentration measurements/ effect.

Calcium channel blockers.

Certain calcium channel antagonists (nifedipine, isradipine, amlodipine, verapamil and felodipine) are metabolized by CYP3A4. Fluconazole has the potential to increase the systemic exposure of the calcium channel antagonists. Frequent monitoring for adverse events is recommended.

Celecoxib.

During concomitant treatment with fluconazole (200 mg daily) and celecoxib (200 mg) the celecoxib Cmax and AUC increased by 68% and 134%, respectively. Half of the celecoxib dose may be necessary when combined with fluconazole.

Cisapride.

Cardiac events including torsades de pointes have been reported in patients receiving fluconazole and cisapride concomitantly. A controlled study found that concomitant fluconazole 200 mg once daily and cisapride 20 mg four times a day yielded a significant increase in cisapride plasma levels and prolongation of QTc interval. Co-administration of cisapride is contraindicated in patients receiving fluconazole (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Cyclosporin.

A kinetic study in renal transplant patients found fluconazole 200 mg daily to slowly increase cyclosporin concentrations. However, in another multiple dose study with 100 mg daily, fluconazole did not affect cyclosporin levels in patients with bone marrow transplants. Cyclosporin plasma concentration monitoring in patients, with or without impaired renal function, receiving fluconazole is recommended.

Cyclophosphamide.

Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide and fluconazole results in an increase in serum bilirubin and serum creatinine. The combination may be used while taking increased consideration to the risk of increased serum bilirubin and serum creatinine.

Erythromycin.

Concomitant use of fluconazole and erythromycin has the potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity (prolonged QT interval, torsades de pointes) and consequently sudden heart death. Co-administration of fluconazole and erythromycin is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Fentanyl.

One fatal case of possible fentanyl-fluconazole interaction was reported. The author judged that the patient died from fentanyl intoxication. Furthermore, in a randomized crossover study with twelve healthy volunteers it was shown that fluconazole delayed the elimination of fentanyl significantly. Elevated fentanyl concentration may lead to respiratory depression.

Halofantrine.

Fluconazole can increase halofantrine plasma concentration due to an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis increases when fluconazole is co-administered with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors metabolised through CYP3A4, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, or through CYP2C9, such as fluvastatin. If concomitant therapy is necessary, the patient should be observed for symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis and creatinine kinase should be monitored. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be discontinued if a marked increase in creatinine kinase is observed or myopathy/ rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected. Lower doses of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may be necessary as instructed in the statins prescribing information.

Ibrutinib.

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole increase plasma ibrutinib concentrations and may increase risk of toxicity. If the combination cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of ibrutinib as instructed in ibrutinib prescribing information and provide close clinical monitoring.

Ivacaftor (alone or combined with drugs in the same therapeutic class).

Coadministration with ivacaftor, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator, increased ivacaftor exposure by 3-fold. A reduction of the ivacaftor (alone or combined) dose is necessary as instructed in the ivacaftor (alone or combined) prescribing information.

Lemborexant.

Concomitant administration of fluconazole increased lemborexant Cmax and AUC by approximately 1.6- and 4.2-fold, respectively which is expected to increase risk of adverse reactions, such as somnolence. Avoid concomitant use of lemborexant.

Losartan.

Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of losartan to its active metabolite (E-3174) which is responsible for most of the angiotensin Il-receptor antagonism which occurs during treatment with losartan. Patients should have their blood pressure monitored continuously.

Lurasidone.

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may increase lurasidone plasma concentrations. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of lurasidone as instructed in the lurasidone prescribing information.

Methadone.

Fluconazole may enhance the serum concentration of methadone. Dosage adjustment of methadone may be necessary.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The Cmax and AUC of flurbiprofen were increased by 23% and 81%, respectively, when co-administered with fluconazole compared to administration of flurbiprofen alone. Similarly, the Cmax and AUC of the pharmacologically active isomer [S-(+)-ibuprofen] were increased by 15% and 82%, respectively, when fluconazole was co-administered with racemic ibuprofen (400 mg) compared to administration of racemic ibuprofen alone. Although not specifically studied, fluconazole has the potential to increase the systemic exposure of other NSAIDs that are metabolized by CYP2C9 (e.g. naproxen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, diclofenac). Frequent monitoring for adverse events and toxicity related to NSAIDs is recommended. Adjustment of dosage of NSAIDs may be needed.

Oral contraceptives.

Fluconazole at a dose of 50 mg for 10 days decreased the AUC for ethinyloestradiol by 16%, but values for levonorgestrel were unchanged. There were no relevant effects on hormone level in the 50 mg fluconazole. At 200 mg daily, the AUCs of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel were increased 40% and 24%, respectively. Multiple dose use of fluconazole at these doses is unlikely to have an effect on the efficacy of the combined oral contraceptive.

Oral hypoglycaemic agents.

The effects of fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of the sulphonylurea oral hypoglycaemic agents tolbutamide, glipizide and glibenclamide were examined in three placebo controlled crossover studies in normal volunteers. All subjects received the sulphonylurea alone and following treatment with 100 mg of fluconazole as a single daily oral dose for 7 days. Fluconazole administration resulted in significant increases in Cmax and AUC of the sulphonylurea. Several subjects in these three studies experienced symptoms consistent with hypoglycaemia. In the glibenclamide study, several volunteers required oral glucose treatment. As fluconazole is a potent inhibitor of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9, it may also interact with other sulphonylureas (e.g. glimepiride and gliclazide) and the thiazolidinediones (e.g. pioglitazone and rosiglitazone), which are metabolised by these enzymes. When fluconazole and sulphonylureas or thiazolidinediones are co-administered, blood glucose concentrations should be monitored carefully. The possibility of a hypoglycemic episode should be borne in mind.

Phenytoin.

Concomitant administration of oral fluconazole (200 mg) with phenytoin at steady state resulted in an average increase of 75% of phenytoin AUC values in normal volunteers. Careful monitoring of phenytoin concentrations in patients receiving fluconazole and phenytoin is recommended. Fluconazole inhibits the hepatic metabolism of phenytoin. With co-administration, serum phenytoin concentration levels should be monitored in order to avoid phenytoin toxicity.

Pimozide.

Although not studied in vitro or in vivo, concomitant administration of fluconazole with pimozide may result in inhibition of pimozide metabolism. Increased pimozide plasma concentrations can lead to QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsade de pointes. Co-administration of fluconazole and pimozide is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Prednisone.

There was a case report that a liver-transplanted patient treated with prednisone developed acute adrenal cortex insufficiency when a three month therapy with fluconazole was discontinued. The discontinuation of fluconazole presumably caused an enhanced CYP3A4 activity which led to increased metabolism of prednisone. Patients on long-term treatment with fluconazole and prednisone should be carefully monitored for adrenal cortex insufficiency when fluconazole is discontinued.

Quinidine.

Although not studied in vitro or in vivo, concomitant administration of fluconazole with quinidine may result in inhibition of quinidine metabolism. Use of quinidine has been associated with QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes. Co-administration of fluconazole and quinidine is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Short acting benzodiazepines.

Studies in human subjects have reported changes in midazolam pharmacokinetics and clinical effects that are dependent on dosage and route of administration. Single doses of fluconazole 150 mg resulted in modest increases in midazolam concentrations and psychomotor effects following oral administration of 10 mg that may not be clinically significant. At doses used to treat systemic mycoses, fluconazole resulted in substantial increases in midazolam concentrations and psychomotor effects following oral administration of midazolam 7.5 mg, but only modest increases that are not likely to be clinically significant following intravenous infusion of midazolam 0.05 mg/kg. If concomitant benzodiazepine therapy is necessary in patients being treated with fluconazole, consideration should be given to decreasing the benzodiazepine dosage, and the patients should be appropriately monitored.

Rifabutin.

There have been reports that an interaction exists when fluconazole is administered concomitantly with rifabutin, leading to increased serum levels of rifabutin up to 80%. There have been reports of uveitis in patients to whom fluconazole and rifabutin were co-administered. Patients receiving rifabutin and fluconazole concomitantly should be carefully monitored.

Rifampicin.

Concomitant administration of fluconazole and rifampicin resulted in a 25% decrease in the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) and a 20% shorter half life of fluconazole in normal volunteers. In patients receiving concomitant rifampicin and depending on clinical circumstances, an increase of the fluconazole dose should be considered.

Saquinavir.

Fluconazole increases the AUC of saquinavir with approximately 50%, Cmax with approximately 55% and decreases clearance of saquinavir with approximately 50% due to inhibition of saquinavir's hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 and inhibition of P-glycoprotein. Dosage adjustment of saquinavir may be necessary.

Sirolimus.

Fluconazole increases plasma concentrations of sirolimus presumably by inhibiting the metabolism of sirolimus via CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. This combination may be used with a dosage adjustment of sirolimus depending on the effect/ concentration measurements.

Sulfonylureas.

Fluconazole has been shown to prolong the serum half-life of concomitantly administered oral sulfonylureas (e.g. chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, tolbutamide) in healthy volunteers. Frequent monitoring of blood glucose and appropriate reduction of sulfonylurea dosage is recommended during co-administration.

Tacrolimus.

Fluconazole may increase the serum concentrations of orally administered tacrolimus up to 5 times due to inhibition of tacrolimus metabolism through CYP3A4 in the intestines. No significant pharmacokinetic changes have been observed when tacrolimus is given intravenously. Increased tacrolimus levels have been associated with nephrotoxicity. Dosage of orally administered tacrolimus should be decreased depending on tacrolimus concentration.

Terfenadine.

Because of the occurrence of serious cardiac dysrhythmias secondary to prolongation of the QTc interval in patients receiving azole antifungals in conjunction with terfenadine, interaction studies have been performed. One study at a 200 mg daily dose of fluconazole failed to demonstrate a prolongation in QTc interval. Another study at a 400 mg and 800 mg daily dose of fluconazole demonstrated that fluconazole taken in doses of 400 mg per day or greater significantly increases plasma levels of terfenadine when taken concomitantly. The combined use of fluconazole at doses of 400 mg or greater with terfenadine is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). The co-administration of fluconazole at doses lower than 400 mg per day with terfenadine should be carefully monitored.

Theophylline.

In a placebo controlled interaction study, the administration of fluconazole 200 mg for 14 days resulted in an 18% decrease in the mean plasma clearance of theophylline. Patients who are receiving high dose theophylline or who are otherwise at increased risk of theophylline toxicity should be observed for signs of theophylline toxicity while receiving fluconazole, and therapy modified appropriately if signs of toxicity develop.

Tofacitinib.

Exposure of tofacitinib is increased when tofacitinib is co-administered with medications that result in both moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 and potent inhibition of CYP2C19 (e.g. fluconazole). Dosage adjustment of tofacitinib may be necessary.

Tolvaptan.

Exposure to tolvaptan is significantly increased (200% in AUC; 80% in Cmax) when tolvaptan, a CYP3A4 substrate, is co-administered with fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, with risk of significant increase in adverse effects particularly significant diuresis, dehydration and acute renal failure. In case of concomitant use, the tolvaptan dose should be reduced and the patient managed cautiously.

Triazolam.

Fluconazole increases the AUC of triazolam (single dose) by approximately 50%, Cmax with 20-32% and increases t1/2 by 25-50% due to the inhibition of metabolism of triazolam. Dosage adjustments of triazolam may be necessary.

Vinca alkaloids.

Although not studied, fluconazole may increase the plasma levels of the vinca alkaloids (e.g. vincristine and vinblastine) and lead to neurotoxicity, which is possibly due to an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4.

Vitamin A.

Based on a case report in one patient receiving combination therapy with all-trans-retinoid acid (an acid form of vitamin A) and fluconazole, CNS related undesirable effects have developed in the form of pseudotumour cerebri, which disappeared after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment. This combination may be used but the incidence of CNS related undesirable effects should be borne in mind.

Voriconazole (CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor).

Concurrent administration of oral voriconazole (400 mg Q12h for 1 day, then 200 mg Q12h for 2.5 days) and oral fluconazole (400 mg on day 1, then 200 mg Q24h for 4 days) to 6 healthy male subjects resulted in an increase in C, and AUC of voriconazole by an average of 57% (90% CI: 20%, 107%) and 79% (90% CI: 40%, 128%), respectively. In a follow-on clinical study involving 8 healthy male subjects, reduced dosing and/or frequency of voriconazole and fluconazole did not eliminate or diminish this effect. Concomitant administration of voriconazole and fluconazole at any dose is not recommended.

Warfarin.

A single dose of warfarin (15 mg) given to normal volunteers, following 14 days of orally administered fluconazole (200 mg) resulted in a 12% increase in the prothrombin time response (area under the prothrombin time-time curve). One of 13 subjects experienced a 2-fold increase in his prothrombin time response. In post-marketing experience, as with other azole antifungals, bleeding events (bruising, epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria and melena) have been reported, in association with increases in prothrombin time in patients receiving fluconazole concurrently with warfarin. Careful monitoring of prothrombin time in patients receiving fluconazole and coumarin type anticoagulants is recommended.

Zidovudine.

Fluconazole increases the Cmax and AUC of zidovudine, respectively, due to decrease in oral zidovudine clearance. The half-life of zidovudine was likewise prolonged following combination therapy with fluconazole. Patients receiving this combination should be monitored for the development of zidovudine-related adverse reactions. Dosage reduction of zidovudine may be considered.

Gastrointestinal drugs.

In fasted normal volunteers, absorption of orally administered fluconazole does not appear to be affected by agents that increase gastric pH. Single dose administration of fluconazole (100 mg) with cimetidine (400 mg) resulted in a 13% reduction in AUC and 21% reduction in Cmax of fluconazole. Administration of an antacid containing aluminium and magnesium hydroxides immediately prior to a single dose of fluconazole (100 mg) had no effect on the absorption or elimination of fluconazole.
Physicians should be alert to the potential for drug-drug interactions, with other drugs for which pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction studies have not been conducted.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fluconazole did not affect the fertility of male or female rats treated orally with daily doses of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg or with parenteral doses of 5, 25 or 75 mg/kg, although the onset of parturition was slightly delayed at 20 mg/kg p.o. In an intravenous perinatal study in rats at 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg, dystocia and prolongation of parturition were observed in a few dams at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, but not at 5 mg/kg. The disturbances in parturition were reflected by a slight increase in the number of still-born pups and decrease of neonatal survival at these dose levels. The effects on parturition in rats are consistent with the species specific oestrogen-lowering property produced by high doses of fluconazole. Such a hormone change has not been observed in women treated with fluconazole (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties).
(Category D)
Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
There have been reports of spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities in infants whose mothers were treated with 150 mg of fluconazole as a single or repeated dose in the first trimester.
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. There have been reports of multiple congenital abnormalities in infants whose mothers were being treated for 3 or more months with high dose (400-800 mg/day) fluconazole therapy for coccidiomycosis. The relationship between fluconazole use and these events is unclear.
A study found any maternal exposure to fluconazole during pregnancy may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and that doses higher than 150 mg during the first trimester may increase the risk of cardiac septal closure anomalies.
Fluconazole should not be used in women who are pregnant, or in women of childbearing potential unless adequate contraception is employed. Effective contraceptive measures should continue throughout the treatment period and for approximately 1 week (5 to 6 half-lives) after the final dose.
 Fluconazole has been found in human breast milk at concentrations similar to plasma, hence its use in nursing mothers is not recommended.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Fluconazole is generally well tolerated.
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has been reported in association with fluconazole treatment (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
In some patients, particularly those with serious underlying diseases such as AIDS and cancer, changes in renal and hematological function test results and hepatic abnormalities (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use) have been observed during treatment with fluconazole and comparative agents, but the clinical significance and relationship to treatment is uncertain.
The following undesirable effects have been observed and reported during treatment with fluconazole with the following frequencies (see Table 1):
Very common: ≥ 1/10; Common: ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10; Uncommon: ≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); Rare: ≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000; Very rare: < 1/10,000; Not known: cannot be estimated from the available data.

Paediatric population.

The pattern and incidence of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities recorded during paediatric clinical trials are comparable to those seen in adults.

Reporting suspected adverse events.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product.
Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at: https://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

There have been reports of overdosage with fluconazole, and in one case, a 42 year old patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus developed hallucinations and exhibited paranoid behaviour after reportedly ingesting 8,200 mg of fluconazole. The patient was admitted to hospital, and his condition resolved within 48 hours.
In the event of overdosage, symptomatic treatment (with supportive measures and gastric lavage if necessary) should be undertaken.
Fluconazole is largely excreted in the urine; forced volume diuresis would probably increase the elimination rate. A three-hour haemodialysis session decreases plasma levels by approximately 50%.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Microbiology.

Fluconazole administered orally or intravenously was active in a variety of animal models of fungal infections using standard laboratory strains of fungi.
In vitro, fluconazole displays antifungal activity against clinically common Candida species (including C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis). C. glabrata shows reduced susceptibility to fluconazole while C. krusei and C. auris are resistant to fluconazole. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and epidemiological cut-off value (ECOFF) of fluconazole for C. guilliermondii are higher than for C. albicans.
Fluconazole also exhibits activity in vitro against Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii as well as the endemic moulds Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
Activity has been demonstrated in vivo in normal and immunocompromised animals against infections with Candida spp, including systemic candidiasis and in normal animals with C. neoformans, including intracranial infections. One case of cross resistance of Candida to fluconazole in a patient (non-HIV) previously treated with ketoconazole has been reported. The efficacy of fluconazole in vivo is greater than would be apparent from in vitro testing against the above mentioned fungi.
Concurrent administration of fluconazole and amphotericin B in infected normal and immunocompromised mice showed antagonism of the two drugs in systemic infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. The clinical significance of results obtained in these studies is unknown.

Pharmacology.

Fluconazole is a member of the bis-triazole class of antifungal agents. Fluconazole is a highly selective inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P450 sterol C-14 alpha demethylation. Mammalian cell demethylation is much less sensitive to fluconazole inhibition. The subsequent loss of normal sterols correlates with the accumulation of 14 alpha-methyl sterols in fungi and may be responsible for the fungistatic activity of fluconazole. Interaction studies with antipyrine indicate that single or multiple doses of fluconazole 50 mg do not affect its metabolism.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

In normal volunteers, the bioavailability of orally administered fluconazole is over 90% compared with intravenous administration. Oral administration is not affected by concomitant food intake. In fasted normal volunteers, peak plasma concentrations occur between 1 and 2 hours post dose with a terminal plasma elimination half-life of approximately 30 hours (range 20-50 hours). The apparent volume of distribution approximates to total body water. Plasma protein binding is low (11-12%).

Distribution.

Fluconazole has been found to achieve good penetration into all tissues and body fluids studied. The levels of fluconazole in saliva and sputum are similar to plasma levels.

Metabolism and excretion.

The major route of excretion is renal, with approximately 80% of the administered dose appearing in the urine as unchanged drug. About 11% of the dose is excreted in the urine as metabolites. The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole are markedly affected by reduction in renal function, however, no adjustments in single dose therapy are necessary. There is an inverse relationship between the elimination half-life and creatinine clearance.
The long plasma elimination half-life provides the basis for single dose therapy for vaginal candidiasis.
There are differences in the pharmacokinetics between adults and children, with children after the neonatal period, generally having faster elimination rate and larger volume of distribution than adults.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Fluconazole, with or without metabolic activation, was negative in tests for mutagenicity in 4 strains of Salmonella typhimurium and in the mouse lymphoma system. Cytogenetic studies in vivo and in vitro showed no evidence of chromosomal mutations.

Carcinogenicity.

Fluconazole showed no evidence of carcinogenic potential in mice and rats treated orally for 24 months at doses of 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 2-7 x recommended human dose). Male rats treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg/day had an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenomas.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Diflucan One in addition to the active contains: gelatin, lactose, maize starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide (E171), patent blue V (E131) and TekPrint SW-9008 black ink.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

5 years.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 30°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

150 mg light turquoise blue opaque cap and body marked with FLU-150 - packs of 1.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Fluconazole is a white to off-white crystalline powder which is sparingly soluble in water and saline.

Chemical structure.

Fluconazole is a bis-triazole:
2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1, 3-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)- 2-propanol.
The chemical formula is C13H12F2N6O and has a molecular weight of 306.3.
It has the following structural formula:

CAS number.

86386-73-4.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 3.

Summary Table of Changes