fluconazole
Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), abdomen (area between the chest and waist), lungs, blood, and other organs. Fluconazole is also used to treat meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spine) caused by fungus. Fluconazole is also used to prevent yeast infections in patients who are likely to become infected because they are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy before a bone marrow transplant (replacement of unhealthy spongy tissue inside the bones with healthy tissue). Fluconazole is in a class of antifungals called triazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking fluconazole affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, studies have not been done to see if taking fluconazole can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fluconazole and fertility, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking fluconazole increase the risk of miscarriage?
The fact sheet notes that studies on fluconazole and miscarriage have mixed results. Some studies suggested a higher chance of miscarriage with oral fluconazole in early pregnancy, while other studies of low-dose use did not find an increased chance, and the FDA stated in October 2019 that available studies do not provide definite evidence of increased miscarriage risk with a single 150 mg oral dose. Because miscarriage can have many causes, this is something to talk through with your healthcare provider.
Does taking fluconazole increase the risk of birth defects?
Studies have had mixed results. The fact sheet indicates that a single 150 mg oral dose is unlikely to increase the chance of birth defects, while some studies suggest a small possible increase in heart or other defects with doses above 150 mg up to 300 mg in the first trimester, and a pattern of head, face, bone, and heart defects has been reported in a small number of children whose mothers took very high doses (400–1200 mg/day) for many weeks. Your healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations based on your specific situation.
Can taking fluconazole during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet states that studies have not found an increased chance of preterm delivery or low birth weight after a single dose of fluconazole, and studies have not found an increased chance of stillbirth in pregnancies exposed to fluconazole. Any specific concerns about your pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking fluconazole during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see if fluconazole can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. There are also no tests available during pregnancy that can predict effects on future behavior or learning, so questions about long-term child development are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking fluconazole?
The fact sheet explains that fluconazole passes into breast milk in small amounts, estimated to be less than a dose that would be given directly to an infant, and a single dose during breastfeeding is unlikely to cause problems for the breastfed baby. If the baby shows symptoms such as stomach upset or diarrhea, or if oral thrush is suspected, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted, since the amount in breast milk is not enough to treat an infection in the infant. Discuss your breastfeeding questions with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
fluconazole