What Is Fluconazole? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Fluconazole is the most widely prescribed antifungal medication in the United States — and one of the most important medicines in global healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes it on its Model List of Essential Medicines, recognizing its fundamental role in treating life-threatening fungal infections worldwide.

Whether your doctor has just prescribed it for a yeast infection or you're managing a more complex fungal condition, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal medication. Its brand name is Diflucan, manufactured by Pfizer. Generic fluconazole has been available since the early 2000s and is produced by numerous manufacturers, making it widely accessible and affordable.

Fluconazole was first patented in 1981 and received FDA approval on January 29, 1990. It works by inhibiting a key fungal enzyme, preventing fungi from building a stable cell membrane — which ultimately stops them from growing.

What Conditions Does Fluconazole Treat?

Fluconazole is FDA-approved to treat:

• Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections): The most common use; a single 150 mg dose treats most uncomplicated cases.
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush): Infection of the mouth and throat, common in immunocompromised patients, infants, and denture wearers.
• Esophageal candidiasis: Fungal infection of the esophagus, often in HIV/AIDS patients.
• Cryptococcal meningitis: A dangerous fungal infection of the brain lining, primarily affecting people with HIV/AIDS.
• Candidemia and disseminated candidiasis: Candida in the bloodstream or spread to organs; used as step-down therapy after initial echinocandin treatment.
• Candida UTIs and peritonitis: Candida infections of the urinary tract and abdominal lining.
• Candidiasis prophylaxis: Prevention of fungal infections in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation receiving chemotherapy or radiation.

Off-label uses include treatment of blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, tinea versicolor, and prophylaxis in other immunocompromised patient populations.

Fluconazole Dosage: What's Typical?

Dosing varies significantly by indication. Always follow your prescriber's specific instructions. Common adult doses include:

• Vaginal yeast infection: 150 mg as a single dose.
• Oral thrush: 200 mg loading dose on Day 1, then 100 mg daily for at least 2 weeks.
• Esophageal candidiasis: 200 mg loading dose, then 100–400 mg daily for at least 3 weeks.
• Bone marrow transplant prophylaxis: 400 mg once daily.
• Pediatric dosing: Weight-based (mg/kg), maximum 400 mg/day; neonates under 2 weeks receive doses every 72 hours.

Available Dosage Forms

• Oral tablets: 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg — taken once daily (or as a single dose for vaginal infections).
• Oral suspension: 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL — for patients who can't swallow tablets (children, patients on feeding tubes).
• IV infusion: 200 mg/100 mL and 400 mg/200 mL — used in hospitalized patients who cannot take oral medications.

Is Fluconazole a Controlled Substance?

No. Fluconazole is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription medication in the United States, meaning you need a doctor's prescription to obtain it, but there are no DEA restrictions on quantities, refills, or prescription methods. It can be e-prescribed, called in, or faxed.

Key Safety Considerations

• Drug interactions: Fluconazole inhibits CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 enzymes and has significant interactions with warfarin, phenytoin, cyclosporine, certain statins, and QT-prolonging agents. Always tell your provider and pharmacist about all your medications.
• Pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy if possible. Associated with increased miscarriage risk and potential fetal heart defects.
• Liver monitoring: For prolonged therapy, periodic liver function tests may be ordered. Report signs of jaundice, dark urine, or severe fatigue immediately.

Finding Fluconazole in Stock Near You

Fluconazole is generally widely available, but if your pharmacy is out of stock, medfinder.com can identify pharmacies near you that have it. And for pricing tips, see our guide on how to save money on fluconazole.