Drug class · Skin
Azole antifungals
Antifungal medicines, including fluconazole, used for thrush and other fungal infections.
Mechanism of action
Azole antifungals block a step in the making of ergosterol, a main part of fungal cell membranes. The NHS says fluconazole kills the fungus causing the infection by making holes in the fungus's cell membrane so that the contents leak out. MedlinePlus describes fluconazole as slowing the growth of the fungi that cause infection.
Members of the class
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Cautions
- The NHS lists an allergic reaction or serious side effect from fluconazole or another antifungal, liver or kidney problems, heart problems including rhythm problems, abnormal potassium, calcium or magnesium levels, and porphyria (a rare blood condition) as reasons fluconazole may not be suitable.
- The NHS says fluconazole is not usually recommended in pregnancy but may be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Class warnings
- A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), another hypersensitivity reaction or a severe skin reaction such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome needs a 999 call, according to the NHS. UK
- Liver problems can show as itching, darker urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin; the NHS advises calling NHS 111 for any other serious side effect. UK
Class interactions
| With | Effect | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pimozide, quetiapine, amisulpride, haloperidol, lithium, risperidone, escitalopram, venlafaxine, warfarin, dabigatran, clopidogrel, statins (with fluconazole) | The NHS names these among medicines to discuss with a doctor before starting fluconazole. | UK |
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Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Azole antifungals.
Medications
- Fluconazole Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine used for thrush and other fungal infections.
Educational content. A drug class page describes what a family of medicines has in common. Individual medicines differ in dose, licensing and interactions; treatment choices belong to a prescriber.