Fluconazole

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Fluconazole chemical structure
Fluconazole
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-
1,3-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol
Identifiers
CAS number 86386-73-4
ATC code D01AC15 J02AC01
PubChem 3365
DrugBank APRD00327
Chemical data
Formula C13H12N6F2O 
Mol. weight 306.271 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability >90%
Protein binding 11–12%
Metabolism Hepatic 11%
Half life 30 hours (range 20-50 hours)
Excretion Renal 61–88%
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

D (Au), C (U.S.)

Legal status

S3/S4 (Au), POM (UK), ℞-only (U.S.)

Routes Oral, IV, topical

Fluconazole (INN) (IPA: [fluˈkɒnəzoʊl]) is a triazole antifungal drug used in the treatment and prevention of superficial and systemic fungal infections. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Diflucan (Pfizer).

Contents

[edit] Pharmacology

[edit] Mode of action

Like other imidazole- and triazole-class antifungals, fluconazole inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14α-demethylase. Mammalian demethylase activity is much less sensitive to fluconazole than fungal demethylase. This inhibition prevents the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane, and subsequent accumulation of 14α-methyl sterols.[1] Fluconazole is primarily fungistatic, however may be fungicidal against certain organisms in a dose-dependent manner.

[edit] Microbiology

Fluconazole is active against the following microorganisms:[2]

[edit] Pharmacokinetics

Following oral dosing, fluconazole is almost completely absorbed within two hours. Bioavailability is not significantly affected by concomitant intake of meals or the use of H2-antagonists (e.g. ranitidine). Concentrations measured in the urine and skin are approximately 10 times the plasma concentration, while saliva, sputum and vaginal fluid concentrations are approximately equal to the plasma concentration, following a standard dose range of between 100mg and 400mg per day. The elimination half-life of fluconazole follows zero order kinetics and only 10% of elimination is due to metabolism, the remainder is excreted in urine and sweat. Patients with impaired renal function will be at risk of overdose as well as patients taking drugs such as Warafin.

[edit] Clinical use

[edit] Indications

Fluconazole is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections where other antifungals have failed or are not tolerated (e.g. due to adverse effects), including:[3]

Fluconazole can be used first-line for the following indications:[3]

[edit] Dosage

Dosage varies with indication and between patient groups, ranging from: a two week course of 150mg/day for vulvovaginal candidiasis, to 150–300 mg once weekly for resistant skin infections or some prophylactic indications. 50–600 mg/day may be used for systemic or severe infections, and in urgent infections such as meningitis caused by yeast 800mg/day have been used. Pediatric doses are measured at 8mg/kg max. A loading dose will be indicated when entering a daily dosage schedule, for exaple a loading dose of 200mg on the first day is commonly used with 150mg/day following that.[3]

[edit] Contraindications

Fluconazole is contraindicated in patients with:[3]

[edit] Precautions

Fluconazole therapy has been associated with QT interval prolongation, which may lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Thus it is used with caution in patients with risk factors for prolonged QT interval such as electrolyte imbalance or use of other drugs which may prolong the QT interval (particularly cisapride).

Fluconazole has also rarely been associated with severe or lethal hepatotoxicity and liver function tests are usually performed regularly during fluconazole therapy. Additionally, it is used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease.[1]

High concentrations of fluconazole have been detected in human breast milk from patients receiving fluconazole therapy, thus its use is not recommended in breastfeeding mothers.[1]

[edit] Adverse effects

Adverse drug reactions associated with fluconazole therapy include:[3]

[edit] Drug interactions

Fluconazole is an inhibitor of the human cytochrome P450 system, particularly the isozymes CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. In theory, therefore, fluconazole decreases the metabolism and increases the concentration of any drug metabolised by these enzymes. Additionally, its potential effect on QT interval increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmia if used concurrently with other drugs that prolong the QT interval.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd. Diflucan (Australian Approved Product Information). West Ryde (NSW): Pfizer Australia; 2004.
  2. ^ Sweetman S, editor. Martindale: The complete drug reference. 34th ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2004. ISBN 0-85369-550-4
  3. ^ a b c d e Rossi S, editor. Australian Medicines Handbook 2006. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook; 2006. ISBN 0-9757919-2-3


Antifungals (D01 and J02) edit
Antibiotics: Griseofulvin, Hitachimycin, Natamycin, Nystatin
Topical Azoles: Clotrimazole, Econazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Oxiconazole, Sertaconazole, Sulconazole, Tioconazole
Other topicals: Ciclopirox, Ethylparaben, Flucytosine, Salicylic acid, Selenium sulfide, Terbinafine, Tolnaftate
For systemic use: Amphotericin B, Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine, Voriconazole
Other: Posaconazole, Thiabendazole, Tea tree oil