Fluconazole is a medication that treats fungal infections in different parts of the body, like the mouth, throat, or genitals.

It comes in various forms, such as:

tablets
oral suspension (liquid)
injectable solution

These forms are only available with a prescription from a doctor. They’re not available over the counter (OTC). Fluconazole is a generic drug, but it comes in brand-name versions as well. Diflucan is a well-known brand name for fluconazole.

Is fluconazole an antibiotic or antifungal?

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that doctors commonly prescribe to treat various conditions caused by fungi. It belongs to a class of drugs known as triazole antifungals and works by stopping the growth of fungus cells.

How are antibiotics and antifungals different?

Antibiotics and antifungals differ in how they work and the types of infections they treat.

Antibiotics: Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections like strep throat or pneumonia. These medications work by stopping bacteria from growing or by damaging bacteria’s structure so they can’t survive.
Antifungals: Antifungals treat infections caused by fungi like yeast or mold, such as athlete’s foot or thrush. They target specific parts of fungal cells, like their outer membranes, without affecting human cells.

Bacteria and fungi are also structurally different. Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms with a simple structure. Fungi, however, can either be single-celled (like yeast) or multicellular (like mold), which is made up of many cells working together.

Due to these differences, antibiotics can’t work on fungal infections, and antifungals like fluconazole can’t treat bacterial infections. Using the incorrect treatment could delay healing and, in some cases, lead to drug resistance.

What does fluconazole treat?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that fluconazole can help treat various fungal infections, including:

Candidiasis: Doctors commonly prescribe fluconazole to treat yeast infections caused by Candida. These include oral thrush (infections in the mouth), esophageal candidiasis (infections in the throat), and vaginal yeast infections.
Cryptococcal meningitis: This serious fungal infection affects the brain and can be life threatening. Doctors may prescribe fluconazole for mild to moderate cases. For more severe cases, they may prescribe fluconazole to be taken as continuation therapy after a person has taken stronger antifungals like amphotericin B and flucytosine.
Deep fungal infections: For more serious infections that affect internal organs, such as fungal urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or infections in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), doctors may prescribe fluconazole.
Preventing fungal infections: Doctors may also prescribe fluconazole to prevent fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplants.

However, fluconazole only works on infections caused by fungi and is not effective against bacterial infections. Talk with your doctor to determine whether fluconazole is the right treatment for your condition.

Is a yeast infection a fungal infection?

Yes, a yeast infection is considered a type of fungal infection. It’s caused by the Candida species, primarily Candida albicans. Candidiasis is the term used to describe a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of this type of yeast.

Candida naturally exists on the skin and inside the body without causing any problems. However, factors like hormonal changes or a weakened immune system can cause it to overgrow. This can lead to infections in areas such as the skin, mouth, throat, or genitals.

Fluconazole is a common and effective treatment for yeast infections. It works by stopping the fungus from growing. Research shows that fluconazole is often the first choice for treating vaginal yeast infections due to its effectiveness.

While yeast infections are common, there are ways to lower your risk. Maintaining good hygiene, wearing breathable clothing, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, and managing stress can help prevent the overgrowth of Candida.

Summary

Fluconazole is a prescription antifungal medication. Doctors prescribe it to treat fungal infections in various parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, genitals, and skin. Fluconazole comes as a tablet, oral suspension, and in an injectable form, and Diflucan is a well-known brand name.

Unlike antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections, fluconazole treats fungal infections caused by fungi like Candida. This makes it effective for conditions like candidiasis (including yeast infections and oral thrush), cryptococcal meningitis, and other fungal infections.