Diflucan Drug Information
Generic name: FLUCONAZOLE
Azole Antifungal [EPC]
Uses of Diflucan
(fluconazole) is indicated for the treatment of: 1. Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections due to Candida ). 2. Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. In open noncomparative studies of relatively small numbers of patients, DIFLUCAN was also effective for the treatment of Candida urinary tract infections, peritonitis, and systemic Candida infections including candidemia, disseminated candidiasis, and pneumonia. 3. Cryptococcal meningitis. Before prescribing DIFLUCAN (fluconazole) for AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis, please see CLINICAL STUDIES section.
Studies comparing DIFLUCAN to amphotericin B in non-HIV infected patients have not been conducted. Prophylaxis: DIFLUCAN is also indicated to decrease the incidence of candidiasis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation who receive cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Specimens for fungal culture and other relevant laboratory studies (serology, histopathology) should be obtained prior to therapy to isolate and identify causative organisms.
Therapy may be instituted before the results of the cultures and other laboratory studies are known; however, once these results become available, anti-infective therapy should be adjusted accordingly.
Dosage & Administration of Diflucan
| 3 months and older | A loading dose of 25-mg/kg on the first day (not to exceed 800 mg) followed by 12-mg/kg once daily (not to exceed 400 mg). |
|---|---|
| Birth to 3 months postnatal age and gestational age 30 weeks and above | 25-mg/kg on the first day, followed by 12-mg/kg once daily |
| Birth to 3 months postnatal age and gestational age less than 30 weeks | 25-mg/kg on the first day, followed by 9-mg/kg once daily |
Side Effects of Diflucan
Clinical Trials Experience in Pediatric Patients Safety in Prophylaxis of Invasive Candida
Infections in Premature infants weighing less than 750 grams at birth In a Phase 3 clinical trial of pediatric patients (premature infants weighing less than 750 grams at birth), the incidence of intestinal perforation in infants receiving DIFLUCAN prophylaxis was higher compared to infants receiving placebo (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use ). Safety in Pediatric Patients Receiving ECMO A cohort of 20 pediatric patients (1 day to 17 years of age) on ECMO received DIFLUCAN in a prospective, open-label, single-center safety and PK ECMO study. The adverse reaction profile of DIFLUCAN in these patients was similar to that of adult and pediatric non-ECMO patients (See PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use ).
Warnings & Cautions for Diflucan
- Hepatic injury: DIFLUCAN should be administered with caution to patients with liver dysfunction. DIFLUCAN has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatic toxicity, including fatalities primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions. In cases of DIFLUCAN-associated hepatotoxicity, no obvious relationship to total daily dose, duration of therapy, sex, or age of the patient has been observed. DIFLUCAN hepatotoxicity has usually, but not always, been reversible on discontinuation of therapy. Patients who develop abnormal liver function tests during DIFLUCAN therapy should be monitored for the development of more severe hepatic injury. DIFLUCAN should be discontinued if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to DIFLUCAN.
- Anaphylaxis: In rare cases, anaphylaxis has been reported.
- Dermatologic: Exfoliative skin disorders during treatment with DIFLUCAN have been reported. Fatal outcomes have been reported in patients with serious underlying diseases. Patients with deep seated fungal infections who develop rashes during treatment with DIFLUCAN should be monitored closely and the drug discontinued if lesions progress. Fluconazole should be discontinued in patients treated for superficial fungal infection who develop a rash that may be attributed to fluconazole.
- Potential for fetal harm: There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical trials of DIFLUCAN in pregnant women. Case reports describe a pattern of distinct congenital anomalies in infants exposed in utero to high dose maternal fluconazole (400 to 800 mg/day) during most or all of the first trimester. These reported anomalies are similar to those seen in animal studies. If DIFLUCAN is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking the drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus. Effective contraceptive measures should be considered in women of child-bearing potential who are being treated with DIFLUCAN 400 to 800 mg/day and should continue throughout the treatment period and for approximately 1 week (5 to 6 half-lives) after the final dose. Epidemiological studies suggest a potential risk of spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities in infants whose mothers were treated with 150 mg of fluconazole as a single or repeated dose in the first trimester, but these epidemiological studies have limitations and these findings have not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials. (See PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy. )
Drug Interactions with Diflucan
- Drug Interactions: (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.) Fluconazole is a moderate CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitor. Fluconazole is also a strong inhibitor of CYP2C19. Patients treated with DIFLUCAN, who are also concomitantly treated with drugs with a narrow therapeutic window metabolized through CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, should be monitored for adverse reactions associated with the concomitantly administered drugs. In addition to the observed /documented interactions mentioned below, there is a risk of increased plasma concentration of other compounds metabolized by CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 coadministered with fluconazole. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using these combinations and the patients should be carefully monitored. The enzyme inhibiting effect of fluconazole persists 4 to 5 days after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment due to the long half-life of fluconazole. Clinically or potentially significant drug interactions between DIFLUCAN and the following agents/classes have been observed and are described in greater detail below: Abrocitinib: Drug interaction studies indicate that when coadministered with fluconazole (strong inhibitor of CYP2C19; moderate inhibitor of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4), the systemic exposure of abrocitinib and its active metabolites increased (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Avoid concomitant use of abrocitinib with DIFLUCAN. Refer to the abrocitinib Prescribing Information for additional details.
- Alfentanil: A study observed a reduction in clearance and distribution volume as well as prolongation of t ½ of alfentanil following concomitant treatment with fluconazole. A possible mechanism of action is fluconazole's inhibition of CYP3A4. Dosage adjustment of alfentanil may be necessary.
- Amiodarone: Concomitant administration of fluconazole with amiodarone may increase QT prolongation. Caution must be exercised if the concomitant use of fluconazole and amiodarone is necessary, notably with high-dose fluconazole (800 mg).
- Amitriptyline, nortriptyline: Fluconazole increases the effect of amitriptyline and nortriptyline. 5-Nortriptyline and/or S-amitriptyline may be measured at initiation of the combination therapy and after 1 week. Dosage of amitriptyline/nortriptyline should be adjusted, if necessary.
- Amphotericin B: Concurrent administration of fluconazole and amphotericin B in infected normal and immunosuppressed mice showed the following results: a small additive antifungal effect in systemic infection with Candida albicans, no interaction in intracranial infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, and antagonism of the two drugs in systemic infection with A. fumigatus. The clinical significance of results obtained in these studies is unknown.
- Azithromycin: An open-label, randomized, three-way crossover study in 18 healthy subjects assessed the effect of a single 1200 mg oral dose of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of a single 800 mg oral dose of fluconazole as well as the effects of fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between fluconazole and azithromycin.
- Calcium channel blockers: Certain calcium channel antagonists (nifedipine, isradipine, amlodipine, verapamil, and felodipine) are metabolized by CYP3A4. Fluconazole has the potential to increase the systemic exposure of the calcium channel antagonists. Frequent monitoring for adverse events is recommended.
- Carbamazepine: Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of carbamazepine and an increase in serum carbamazepine of 30% has been observed. There is a risk of developing carbamazepine toxicity. Dosage adjustment of carbamazepine may be necessary depending on concentration measurements/effect.
- Celecoxib: During concomitant treatment with fluconazole (200 mg daily) and celecoxib (200 mg), the celecoxib C max and AUC increased by 68% and 134%, respectively. Half of the celecoxib dose may be necessary when combined with fluconazole.
- Coumarin-type anticoagulants: Prothrombin time may be increased in patients receiving concomitant DIFLUCAN and coumarin-type anticoagulants. In post-marketing experience, as with other azole antifungals, bleeding events (bruising, epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, and melena) have been reported in association with increases in prothrombin time in patients receiving fluconazole concurrently with warfarin. Careful monitoring of prothrombin time in patients receiving DIFLUCAN and coumarin-type anticoagulants is recommended. Dose adjustment of warfarin may be necessary. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies. ) Cyclophosphamide: Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide and fluconazole results in an increase in serum bilirubin and serum creatinine. The combination may be used while taking increased consideration to the risk of increased serum bilirubin and serum creatinine.
- Cyclosporine: DIFLUCAN significantly increases cyclosporine levels in renal transplant patients with or without renal impairment. Careful monitoring of cyclosporine concentrations and serum creatinine is recommended in patients receiving DIFLUCAN and cyclosporine. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies. ) This combination may be used by reducing the dosage of cyclosporine depending on cyclosporine concentration.
- Fentanyl: One fatal case of possible fentanyl-fluconazole interaction was reported. The author judged that the patient died from fentanyl intoxication. Furthermore, in a randomized crossover study with 12 healthy volunteers, it was shown that fluconazole delayed the elimination of fentanyl significantly. Elevated fentanyl concentration may lead to respiratory depression.
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis increases when fluconazole is coadministered with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors metabolized through CYP3A4, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, or through CYP2C9, such as fluvastatin (decreased hepatic metabolism of the statin). If concomitant therapy is necessary, the patient should be observed for symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis and creatinine kinase should be monitored. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be discontinued if a marked increase in creatinine kinase is observed or myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected. Dose reduction of statins may be needed. Refer to the statin-specific prescribing information for details.
- Hydrochlorothiazide: In a pharmacokinetic interaction study, coadministration of multiple-dose hydrochlorothiazide to healthy volunteers receiving fluconazole increased plasma concentrations of fluconazole by 40%. An effect of this magnitude should not necessitate a change in the fluconazole dose regimen in subjects receiving concomitant diuretics.
- Ibrutinib: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may increase plasma ibrutinib concentrations and increase risk of adverse reactions associated with ibrutinib. If ibrutinib and fluconazole are concomitantly administered, reduce the dose of ibrutinib as instructed in ibrutinib prescribing information and the patient should be frequently monitored for any adverse reactions associated with ibrutinib. Ivacaftor and fixed dose ivacaftor combinations (e.g., tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor/tezacaftor/elexacaftor): Coadministration with ivacaftor, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator, increased ivacaftor exposure by 3-fold. If used concomitantly with a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, such as fluconazole, a reduction in the dose of ivacaftor (or ivacaftor combination) is recommended as instructed in the ivacaftor (or ivacaftor combination) prescribing information.
- Lemborexant: Concomitant administration of fluconazole increased lemborexant Cmax and AUC by approximately 1.6- and 4.2-fold, respectively which is expected to increase risk of adverse reactions, such as somnolence. Avoid concomitant use of DIFLUCAN with lemborexant.
- Losartan: Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of losartan to its active metabolite (E-31 74) which is responsible for most of the angiotensin Il-receptor antagonism which occurs during treatment with losartan. Patients should have their blood pressure monitored continuously.
- Lurasidone: Concomitant use of moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may increase lurasidone plasma concentrations. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of lurasidone as instructed in the lurasidone prescribing information.
- Methadone: Fluconazole may enhance the serum concentration of methadone. Dosage adjustment of methadone may be necessary.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: The C max and AUC of flurbiprofen were increased by 23% and 81%, respectively, when coadministered with fluconazole compared to administration of flurbiprofen alone. Similarly, the C max and AUC of the pharmacologically active isomer were increased by 15% and 82%, respectively, when fluconazole was coadministered with racemic ibuprofen (400 mg) compared to administration of racemic ibuprofen alone. Although not specifically studied, fluconazole has the potential to increase the systemic exposure of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are metabolized by CYP2C9 (e.g., naproxen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, diclofenac). Frequent monitoring for adverse events and toxicity related to NSAIDs is recommended. Adjustment of dosage of NSAIDs may be needed.
- Olaparib: Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole increase olaparib plasma concentrations; concomitant use is not recommended. If the combination cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of olaparib as instructed in the LYNPARZA ® (Olaparib) Prescribing Information.
- Oral contraceptives: Two pharmacokinetic studies with a combined oral contraceptive have been performed using multiple doses of fluconazole. There were no relevant effects on hormone level in the 50 mg fluconazole study, while at 200 mg daily, the AUCs of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel were increased 40% and 24%, respectively. Thus, multiple-dose use of fluconazole at these doses is unlikely to have an effect on the efficacy of the combined oral contraceptive.
- Oral hypoglycemics: Clinically significant hypoglycemia may be precipitated by the use of DIFLUCAN with oral hypoglycemic agents; one fatality has been reported from hypoglycemia in association with combined DIFLUCAN and glyburide use. DIFLUCAN reduces the metabolism of tolbutamide, glyburide, and glipizide and increases the plasma concentration of these agents. When DIFLUCAN is used concomitantly with these or other sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agents, blood glucose concentrations should be carefully monitored and the dose of the sulfonylurea should be adjusted as necessary. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Phenytoin: DIFLUCAN increases the plasma concentrations of phenytoin. Careful monitoring of phenytoin concentrations in patients receiving DIFLUCAN and phenytoin is recommended. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Pimozide: Although not studied in vitro or in vivo, concomitant administration of fluconazole with pimozide may result in inhibition of pimozide metabolism. Increased pimozide plasma concentrations can lead to QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsade de pointes. Coadministration of fluconazole and pimozide is contraindicated.
- Prednisone: There was a case report that a liver-transplanted patient treated with prednisone developed acute adrenal cortex insufficiency when a 3 month therapy with fluconazole was discontinued. The discontinuation of fluconazole presumably caused an enhanced CYP3A4 activity which led to increased metabolism of prednisone. Patients on long-term treatment with fluconazole and prednisone should be carefully monitored for adrenal cortex insufficiency when fluconazole is discontinued.
- Quinidine: Although not studied in vitro or in vivo, concomitant administration of fluconazole with quinidine may result in inhibition of quinidine metabolism. Use of quinidine has been associated with QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsade de pointes. Coadministration of fluconazole and quinidine is contraindicated. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS. ) Rifabutin: There have been reports that an interaction exists when fluconazole is administered concomitantly with rifabutin, leading to increased serum levels of rifabutin up to 80%. There have been reports of uveitis in patients to whom fluconazole and rifabutin were coadministered. Patients receiving rifabutin and fluconazole concomitantly should be carefully monitored. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Rifampin: Rifampin enhances the metabolism of concurrently administered DIFLUCAN. Depending on clinical circumstances, consideration should be given to increasing the dose of DIFLUCAN when it is administered with rifampin. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Saquinavir: Fluconazole increases the AUC of saquinavir by approximately 50%, C max by approximately 55%, and decreases the clearance of saquinavir by approximately 50% due to inhibition of saquinavir's hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 and inhibition of P-glycoprotein. Dosage adjustment of saquinavir may be necessary.
- Short-acting benzodiazepines: Following oral administration of midazolam, fluconazole resulted in substantial increases in midazolam concentrations and psychomotor effects. This effect on midazolam appears to be more pronounced following oral administration of fluconazole than with fluconazole administered intravenously. If short-acting benzodiazepines, which are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, are concomitantly administered with fluconazole, consideration should be given to decreasing the benzodiazepine dosage, and the patients should be appropriately monitored. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Sirolimus: Fluconazole increases plasma concentrations of sirolimus presumably by inhibiting the metabolism of sirolimus via CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. This combination may be used with a dosage adjustment of sirolimus depending on the effect/concentration measurements.
- Tacrolimus: Fluconazole may increase the serum concentrations of orally administered tacrolimus up to 5 times due to inhibition of tacrolimus metabolism through CYP3A4 in the intestines. No significant pharmacokinetic changes have been observed when tacrolimus is given intravenously. Increased tacrolimus levels have been associated with nephrotoxicity. Dosage of orally administered tacrolimus should be decreased depending on tacrolimus concentration. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Theophylline: DIFLUCAN increases the serum concentrations of theophylline. Careful monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations in patients receiving DIFLUCAN and theophylline is recommended. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies.) Tofacitinib: Systemic exposure to tofacitinib is increased when tofacitinib is coadministered with fluconazole. Reduce the dose of tofacitinib when given concomitantly with fluconazole (i.e., from 5 mg twice daily to 5 mg once daily as instructed in the XELJANZ ® label). (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies. ) Tolvaptan: Plasma exposure to tolvaptan is significantly increased (200% in AUC; 80% in C max ) when tolvaptan, a CYP3A4 substrate, is coadministered with fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. This interaction may result in the risk of a significant increase in adverse reactions associated with tolvaptan, particularly significant diuresis, dehydration, and acute renal failure. If tolvaptan and fluconazole are concomitantly administered, the tolvaptan dose should be reduced as instructed in the tolvaptan prescribing information and the patient should be frequently monitored for any adverse reactions associated with tolvaptan.
- Triazolam: Fluconazole increases the AUC of triazolam (single dose) by approximately 50%, C max by 20% to 32%, and increases t½ by 25% to 50 % due to the inhibition of metabolism of triazolam. Dosage adjustments of triazolam may be necessary.
- Vinca alkaloids: Although not studied, fluconazole may increase the plasma levels of the vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine and vinblastine) and lead to neurotoxicity, which is possibly due to an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4.
- Vitamin A: Based on a case report in one patient receiving combination therapy with all-trans-retinoid acid (an acid form of vitamin A) and fluconazole, central nervous system (CNS) related undesirable effects have developed in the form of pseudotumor cerebri, which disappeared after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment. This combination may be used but the incidence of CNS related undesirable effects should be borne in mind.
- Voriconazole: Avoid concomitant administration of voriconazole and fluconazole. Monitoring for adverse events and toxicity related to voriconazole is recommended; especially, if voriconazole is started within 24 h after the last dose of fluconazole. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies. ) Zidovudine: Fluconazole increases the C max and AUC of zidovudine by 84% and 74%, respectively, due to an approximately 45% decrease in oral zidovudine clearance. The half-life of zidovudine was likewise prolonged by approximately 128% following combination therapy with fluconazole. Patients receiving this combination should be monitored for the development of zidovudine-related adverse reactions. Dosage reduction of zidovudine may be considered. Physicians should be aware that interaction studies with medications other than those listed in the CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY section have not been conducted, but such interactions may occur.
Pregnancy Safety for Diflucan
- Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Potential for Fetal Harm: Use in pregnancy should be avoided except in patients with severe or potentially life-threatening fungal infections in whom fluconazole may be used if the anticipated benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. A few published case reports describe a pattern of distinct congenital anomalies in infants exposed in utero to high dose maternal fluconazole (400 to 800 mg/day) during most or all of the first trimester. These reported anomalies are similar to those seen in animal studies. Effective contraceptive measures should be considered in women of child-bearing potential who are being treated with DIFLUCAN 400 to 800 mg/day and should continue throughout the treatment period and for approximately 1 week (5 to 6 half-lives) after the final dose. If DIFLUCAN is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking the drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus. Spontaneous abortions and congenital abnormalities have been suggested as potential risks associated with 150 mg of fluconazole as a single or repeated dose in the first trimester of pregnancy based on retrospective epidemiological studies. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of DIFLUCAN in pregnant women. (See WARNINGS: Potential for Fetal Harm.) Human Data Case reports describe a distinctive and rare pattern of birth defects among infants whose mothers received high-dose (400 to 800 mg/day) fluconazole during most or all of the first trimester of pregnancy. The features seen in these infants include brachycephaly, abnormal facies, abnormal calvarial development, cleft palate, femoral bowing, thin ribs and long bones, arthrogryposis, and congenital heart disease. These effects are similar to those seen in animal studies. Epidemiological studies suggest a potential risk of spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities in infants whose mothers were treated with 150 mg of fluconazole as a single or repeated dose in the first trimester, but these epidemiological studies have limitations and these findings have not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials. Animal Data Fluconazole was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis in two studies at doses of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg and at 5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 75 mg/kg, respectively. Maternal weight gain was impaired at all dose levels (approximately 0.25 to 4 times the 400 mg clinical dose based on body surface area comparison), and abortions occurred at 75 mg/kg (approximately 4 times the 400 mg clinical dose based on BSA); no adverse fetal effects were observed. In several studies in which pregnant rats received fluconazole orally during organogenesis, maternal weight gain was impaired and placental weights were increased at 25 mg/kg. There were no fetal effects at 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg; increases in fetal anatomical variants (supernumerary ribs, renal pelvis dilation) and delays in ossification were observed at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg and higher doses. At doses ranging from 80 to 320 mg/kg (approximately 2 to 8 times the 400 mg clinical dose based on BSA), embryolethality in rats was increased and fetal abnormalities included wavy ribs, cleft palate, and abnormal craniofacial ossification. These effects are consistent with the inhibition of estrogen synthesis in rats and may be a result of known effects of lowered estrogen on pregnancy, organogenesis, and parturition.
Pediatric Use of Diflucan
Pediatric Use Use in Pediatric Patients for the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis An open-label, randomized, controlled trial has shown DIFLUCAN to be effective in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in pediatric patients 6 months to 13 years of age. (See CLINICAL STUDIES. ) Use in Pediatric Patients for the Treatment of Candida Esophagitis, Systemic Candida Infections, or Cryptococcal Meningitis: The use of DIFLUCAN in pediatric patients with cryptococcal meningitis, Canida esophagitis, or systemic Candida infections is supported by the efficacy shown for these indications in adults and by the results from several small noncomparative pediatric clinical studies. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric patients (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ) have established a dose proportionality between pediatric patients and adults. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) In a noncomparative study of DIFLUCAN administered to pediatric patients (from birth to less than 17 years) with serious systemic fungal infections, most of which were candidemia, the effectiveness of DIFLUCAN was similar to that reported for the treatment of candidemia in adults. Of 17 subjects with culture-confirmed candidemia, 11 of 14 (79%) with baseline symptoms (3 were asymptomatic) had a clinical cure; 13/15 (87%) of evaluable patients had a mycologic cure at the end of treatment but two of these patients relapsed at 10 and 18 days, respectively, following cessation of therapy.
The efficacy of DIFLUCAN for the suppression of cryptococcal meningitis was successful in 4 of 5 pediatric patients (4 years to 10 years of age) treated in a compassionate-use study of fluconazole for the treatment of life‑threatening or serious mycosis. There are limited clinical data to support the efficacy of DIFLUCAN for the primary treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in pediatric patients. The safety profile of DIFLUCAN has been studied in 577 pediatric patients from 1 day to 17 years of age who received doses ranging from 1 to 15 mg/kg/day for 1 to 1,616 days. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.) Use in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) A prospective, open-label, single-center study was conducted to determine the PK and safety of fluconazole in pediatric patients (ages: from birth to 17 years of age) on ECMO (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). A loading dose of 35-mg/kg is recommended in pediatric patients on ECMO due to increased volume of distribution (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Use in Prophylaxis of Invasive Candida Infections in Pediatric Patients (premature infants weighing less than 750 grams at birth) Safety and effectiveness of DIFLUCAN for the prophylaxis of invasive candidiasis in pediatric patients (premature infants weighing less than 750 grams at birth) have not been established.
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial was conducted in premature infants weighing less than 750 grams at birth to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic DIFLUCAN 6-mg/kg administered twice weekly for 6 weeks versus placebo (NCT00734539). Efficacy was assessed using the endpoint of death or candidiasis by study day 49. The results are summarized in Table 4. Table 4: Death or Candidiasis by Day 49 in Premature Infants Receiving DIFLUCAN Prophylaxis DIFLUCAN (N=188) n (%) Placebo (N=173) n (%) P-value Difference (95% CI) Death or candidiasis* 33 38 0.2954 -4.4(-12.6, 3.8) Components of endpoint** Death Candidiasis Missing 27 6 2 25 16 1 * Subjects with missing data are imputed as having candidiasis or died. **Subjects may be counted more than once as two fluconazole subjects and four placebo subjects diagnosed with candidiasis subsequently died by day 49. The most common fatal serious adverse reactions in the DIFLUCAN vs placebo arms, respectively, were necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), 9 (5%) vs 9 (5%); neonatal bacterial sepsis, 6 (3%) vs 7 (4%); and neonatal respiratory failure, 4 (2%) vs 2 (0.6%). The most common serious adverse reactions (>5%), reported in patients receiving DIFLUCAN prophylaxis are displayed in Table 5. Table 5. Serious Adverse Reactions* Occurring in >5% of Infants Receiving DIFLUCAN Prophylaxis Adverse Reaction DIFLUCAN (N=188) n(%) Placebo (N=173) n (%) Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) 27 28 Intestinal Perforation (includes ileal/small intestinal perforation) 13 7 Neonatal Respiratory Arrest/Neonatal Respiratory Failure 13 4 Bacterial Sepsis, Neonatal 10 12 *All serious adverse reactions were assessed and recorded up through 30 days after the final dose of study drug. Serious adverse reactions included both fatal and non-fatal outcomes.
Contraindications for Diflucan
(fluconazole) is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to fluconazole or to any of its excipients. There is no information regarding cross-hypersensitivity between fluconazole and other azole antifungal agents. Caution should be used in prescribing DIFLUCAN to patients with hypersensitivity to other azoles.
Coadministration of other drugs known to prolong the QT interval and which are metabolized via the enzyme CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, pimozide, and quinidine are contraindicated in patients receiving fluconazole. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interaction Studies and PRECAUTIONS.)
Overdosage Information for Diflucan
There have been reports of overdose with fluconazole accompanied by hallucination and paranoid behavior. In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment (with supportive measures and gastric lavage if clinically indicated) should be instituted. Fluconazole is largely excreted in urine.
A 3-hour hemodialysis session decreases plasma levels by approximately 50%. In mice and rats receiving very high doses of fluconazole, clinical effects in both species included decreased motility and respiration, ptosis, lacrimation, salivation, urinary incontinence, loss of righting reflex, and cyanosis; death was sometimes preceded by clonic convulsions.
Clinical Studies of Diflucan
- Cryptococcal meningitis: In a multicenter study comparing DIFLUCAN (200 mg/day) to amphotericin B (0.3 mg/kg/day) for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with AIDS, a multivariate analysis revealed three pretreatment factors that predicted death during the course of therapy: abnormal mental status, cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal antigen titer greater than 1:1024, and cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count of less than 20 cells/mm 3. Mortality among high risk patients was 33% and 40% for amphotericin B and DIFLUCAN patients, respectively (p=0.58), with overall deaths 14% (9 of 63 subjects) and 18% (24 of 131 subjects) for the 2 arms of the study (p=0.48). Optimal doses and regimens for patients with acute cryptococcal meningitis and at high risk for treatment failure remain to be determined. (Saag, et al.
- N Engl J Med 1992; 326: 83-9.) Vaginal candidiasis: Two adequate and well-controlled studies were conducted in the U.S. using the 150 mg tablet. In both, the results of the fluconazole regimen were comparable to the control regimen (clotrimazole or miconazole intravaginally for 7 days) both clinically and statistically at the one month post-treatment evaluation. The therapeutic cure rate, defined as a complete resolution of signs and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis (clinical cure), along with a negative KOH examination and negative culture for Candida (microbiologic eradication), was 55% in both the fluconazole group and the vaginal products group. Fluconazole PO 150 mg tablet Vaginal Product qhs × 7 days Enrolled 448 422 Evaluable at Late Follow-up 347 (77%) 327 (77%) Clinical cure 239/347 (69%) 235/327 (72%) Mycologic eradication 213/347 (61%) 196/327 (60%) Therapeutic cure 190/347 (55%) 179/327 (55%) Approximately three-fourths of the enrolled patients had acute vaginitis (<4 episodes/12 months) and achieved 80% clinical cure, 67% mycologic eradication, and 59% therapeutic cure when treated with a 150 mg DIFLUCAN tablet administered orally. These rates were comparable to control products. The remaining one-fourth of enrolled patients had recurrent vaginitis (≥4 episodes/12 months) and achieved 57% clinical cure, 47% mycologic eradication, and 40% therapeutic cure. The numbers are too small to make meaningful clinical or statistical comparisons with vaginal products in the treatment of patients with recurrent vaginitis. Substantially more gastrointestinal events were reported in the fluconazole group compared to the vaginal product group. Most of the events were mild to moderate. Because fluconazole was given as a single dose, no discontinuations occurred. Parameter Fluconazole PO Vaginal Products Evaluable patients 448 422 With any adverse event 141 (31%) 112 (27%) Nervous System 90 (20%) 69 (16%) Gastrointestinal 73 (16%) 18 (4%) With drug-related event 117 (26%) 67 (16%) Nervous System 61 (14%) 29 (7%) Headache 58 (13%) 28 (7%) Gastrointestinal 68 (15%) 13 (3%) Abdominal pain 25 (6%) 7 (2%) Nausea 30 (7%) 3 (1%) Diarrhea 12 (3%) 2 (<1%) Application site event 0 (0%) 19 (5%) Taste Perversion 6 (1%) 0 (0%) Pediatric Studies Oropharyngeal candidiasis: An open-label, comparative study of the efficacy and safety of DIFLUCAN (2 to 3 mg/kg/day) and oral nystatin (400,000 I.U. 4 times daily) was conducted in immunocompromised pediatric patients from 6 months to 13 years of age with oropharyngeal candidiasis. Clinical and mycological response rates were higher in pediatric patients treated with fluconazole. Clinical cure at the end of treatment was reported for 86% of fluconazole-treated patients compared to 46% of nystatin treated patients. Mycologically, 76% of fluconazole treated patients had the infecting organism eradicated compared to 11% for nystatin treated patients. Fluconazole Nystatin Enrolled 96 90 Clinical Cure 76/88 (86%) 36/78 (46%) Mycological eradication Subjects without follow-up cultures for any reason were considered nonevaluable for mycological response. 55/72 (76%) 6/54 (11%) The proportion of patients with clinical relapse 2 weeks after the end of treatment was 14% for subjects receiving DIFLUCAN and 16% for subjects receiving nystatin. At 4 weeks after the end of treatment, the percentages of patients with clinical relapse were 22% for DIFLUCAN and 23% for nystatin.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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