Fluconazole: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you have a stubborn yeast infection, oral thrush, or a fungal skin issue that won’t quit, your doctor might reach for fluconazole, a prescription antifungal medication that stops fungi from growing by disrupting their cell membranes. Also known as Diflucan, it’s one of the most commonly prescribed antifungals in North America because it works fast, takes just one pill, and is often covered by insurance. Unlike topical creams that only treat surface-level problems, fluconazole travels through your bloodstream, so it can reach infections inside your body—like in your mouth, throat, vagina, or even your blood.

It’s not just for yeast. Fluconazole is also used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida, Cryptococcus, and other organisms that can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems. If you’ve had a transplant, are on chemotherapy, or live with HIV, fluconazole might be part of your regular care plan to keep fungal infections from taking hold. But even healthy people use it—think recurring vaginal yeast infections that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. It’s not a cure-all, though. Some fungal strains are becoming resistant, and it doesn’t work on all types of fungi. That’s why it’s a prescription drug: your doctor needs to make sure it’s the right match.

Fluconazole doesn’t come without trade-offs. Like any medication, it can cause side effects—nausea, headaches, or stomach upset are common. Rarely, it can affect your liver or interact with other drugs you’re taking, like blood thinners or certain heart medications. That’s why some of the posts in this collection look at how fluconazole compares to other antifungals, what to watch for if you’re on multiple meds, and how to tell if your infection is really fungal—or something else entirely. You’ll also find advice on managing side effects without stopping treatment, and when it’s safer to try something else.

What you’ll find here isn’t marketing fluff. These are real patient-focused guides written by people who’ve been there—whether it’s someone dealing with recurring thrush after antibiotics, a caregiver helping an elderly parent manage fungal infections, or a person wondering why their yeast infection came back after fluconazole. The articles cover what works, what doesn’t, and what your doctor might not tell you in a 10-minute visit.