NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Fluconazole

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A first-generation triazole antifungal with excellent activity against most Candida species (except C. krusei and some C. glabrata) and Cryptococcus neoformans. Used for vulvovaginal candidiasis (single dose), oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis, candidemia, cryptococcal meningitis (induction and long-term suppression in HIV patients), and prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients. Excellent oral bioavailability and CNS penetration.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2013–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
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Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A first-generation triazole antifungal with excellent activity against most Candida species (except C. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is Vaginal candidiasis: 150 mg single dose; oropharyngeal: 200 mg day 1, then 100 mg daily x 7-14 days; esophageal: 200-400 mg daily; systemic: 400-800 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Treats vulvovaginal candidiasis (single 150 mg dose)10,2
  • Treats oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis8,10
  • Treats candidemia and invasive candidiasis3,8
  • Treats cryptococcal meningitis1,9
  • Prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients3,6
What to watch for
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Known hypersensitivity to fluconazole or other azole antifungals1,2
  • Concomitant use with terfenadine (when fluconazole >=400 mg/day), cisapride, erythromycin, pimozide, or quinidine (QT prolongation risk)1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: treats vulvovaginal candidiasis (single 150 mg dose), treats oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis, treats candidemia and invasive candidiasis. 10 sources indexed (2013–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Selectively inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51A1), which converts lanosterol to ergosterol. Ergosterol is an essential component of fungal cell membranes (analogous to cholesterol in mammalian membranes). Depletion of ergosterol and accumulation of toxic methylated sterol intermediates disrupts membrane integrity, permeability, and function, leading to growth inhibition. Primarily fungistatic against Candida but fungicidal against Cryptococcus.3

Class
Triazole Antifungal
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
Vaginal candidiasis: 150 mg single dose; oropharyngeal: 200 mg day 1, then 100 mg daily x 7-14 days; esophageal: 200-400 mg daily; systemic: 400-800 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablets, oral suspension, or IV

Excellent oral bioavailability (>90%), not significantly affected by food or gastric pH. Oral and IV doses are interchangeable. Moderate CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 inhibitor, significant drug interactions possible.2

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity with prolonged high-dose use)
  • QT prolongation (dose-dependent)
  • Skin rash (rarely Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to fluconazole or other azole antifungals1,2
  • Concomitant use with terfenadine (when fluconazole >=400 mg/day), cisapride, erythromycin, pimozide, or quinidine (QT prolongation risk)1,2
  • Pregnancy (category D for chronic high-dose use, associated with craniofacial and skeletal defects)2
  • Severe hepatic disease (weigh risk vs benefit)3,6
  • Concomitant use with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 with narrow therapeutic indices (warfarin, phenytoin, cyclosporine)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Fluconazole, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Fluconazole?

A first-generation triazole antifungal with excellent activity against most Candida species (except C. krusei and some C. glabrata) and Cryptococcus neoformans. Used for vulvovaginal candidiasis (single dose), oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis, candidemia, cryptococcal meningitis (induction and long-term suppression in HIV patients), and prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients. Excellent oral bioavailability and CNS penetration.

What is Fluconazole used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Fluconazole include: Treats vulvovaginal candidiasis (single 150 mg dose); Treats oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis; Treats candidemia and invasive candidiasis; Treats cryptococcal meningitis; Prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Fluconazole?

A typical adult dose of Fluconazole is Vaginal candidiasis: 150 mg single dose; oropharyngeal: 200 mg day 1, then 100 mg daily x 7-14 days; esophageal: 200-400 mg daily; systemic: 400-800 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablets, oral suspension, or IV. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Fluconazole?

Reported side effects include nausea, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity with prolonged high-dose use), qt prolongation (dose-dependent). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Fluconazole?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Fluconazole in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.