Pharmacology of Fluconazole (Diflucan)
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Pharmacology of Fluconazole (Diflucan)

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@WinningDandelion

Questions and Answers

What is the therapeutic class of Fluconazole?

Antifungal

What is the pharmacologic class of Fluconazole?

Inhibitor of fungal cell membrane synthesis; azole

What actions does Fluconazole perform against fungal infections?

Interferes with the synthesis of ergosterol

What are some advantages of Fluconazole compared to other systemic antifungals?

<p>Rapid absorption, effective against Candida albicans</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of Fluconazole?

<p>Relatively narrow spectrum of activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which patients is Fluconazole approved for prophylaxis of fungal infections?

<p>Patients with AIDS, bone marrow transplants, or receiving antineoplastic drugs</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when administering IV Fluconazole?

<p>Do not mix IV fluconazole with other drugs</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some common adverse effects of Fluconazole at high doses?

<p>Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who should be monitored carefully when taking Fluconazole?

<p>Patients with hepatic impairment</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which patients is Fluconazole contraindicated?

<p>Patients with hypersensitivity to the drug</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential interaction when Fluconazole is used with warfarin?

<p>Increased risk for bleeding</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from concurrent administration of Fluconazole and certain oral hypoglycemics like glyburide?

<p>Hypoglycemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

How may Fluconazole affect the levels of AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase?

<p>Values may be increased</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific treatment for Fluconazole overdose?

<p>There is no specific treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fluconazole Overview

  • Therapeutic class: Antifungal.
  • Pharmacologic class: Inhibitor of fungal cell membrane synthesis; belongs to the azole group.

Mechanism of Action

  • Interferes with ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes.
  • Rapidly and completely absorbed when administered orally.

Efficacy and Uses

  • Highly effective against Candida albicans infections.
  • Capable of penetrating most body membranes, including the CNS, bone, eye, urinary tract, and respiratory tract.
  • Approved for prophylaxis of fungal infections in patients with AIDS, those undergoing bone marrow transplants, and those receiving antineoplastic treatments.
  • Limited effectiveness against non-albicans Candida species.

Administration Protocol

  • Do not mix intravenous fluconazole with other medications.
  • Classified as a pregnancy category C drug.

Adverse Effects

  • Generally well tolerated; possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially at high doses.
  • Hepatotoxicity is rare, but caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment.
  • Risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome particularly in immunosuppressed patients.

Contraindications

  • Contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to fluconazole.
  • Use with caution in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to renal excretion of the drug.

Drug Interactions

  • Strong inhibitor of hepatic CYP450 enzymes, increasing potential for drug interactions.
  • Co-administration with warfarin may heighten bleeding risk.
  • May cause hypoglycemia when used with certain oral hypoglycemics like glyburide.
  • Concurrent use with rifampin or cimetidine may reduce fluconazole levels.
  • Prolonged effects of fentanyl, alfentanil, or methadone may occur with simultaneous fluconazole administration.

Lab Considerations

  • Monitor liver function tests; may show increased AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase values.
  • No known interactions with herbal or food substances.
  • Dialysis can lower serum levels in the case of overdose; no specific antidote exists for fluconazole overdose.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the pharmacological aspects of Fluconazole, also known as Diflucan. It covers its therapeutic and pharmacologic classes, as well as its actions and uses in the treatment of fungal infections. Perfect for students studying pharmacology or healthcare professionals.

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