Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule is recommended for the treatment of candidal vaginitis, acute or recurrent. It should also be used for the treatment of partners with associated candidal balanitis.

Adults (16 to 60):

One capsule should be swallowed whole.

Children (under 16):

Paediatric use is not recommended.

Elderly:

Not recommended in patients over 60.

Renal Impairment:

There is no separate dosage schedule in patients with renal impairment for single dose therapy.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to related azole substances or to any of the excipients in this product.

Coadministration of other medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval and which are metabolised via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 such as cisapride, astemizole, pimozide, quinidine and erythromycin are contraindicated in patients receiving fluconazole (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Coadministration of terfenadine is contraindicated based upon results of a multiple dose interaction study.

The product available from pharmacies without prescription will include a leaflet that advises the patient - Do not use Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule without first consulting your doctor:

If you are under 16 or over 60 years of age

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule or other antifungals and other thrush treatments (see section “ After Taking Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule” ).

If you are taking any other medicine other than the Pill.

If you are taking the antihistamine terfenadine or the prescription medicine cisapride

If you have had thrush more than twice in the last six months

If you have any disease or illness affecting your liver or kidneys or have had unexplained jaundice.

If you suffer from any other chronic disease or illness.

If you or your partner have had exposure to a sexually transmitted disease.

If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms.

Women only:

If you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

If you have any abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding or a blood stained discharge

If you have vulval or vaginal sores, ulcers or blisters.

If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain or burning sensation on passing water.

Men only:

If your sexual partner does not have thrush.

If you have penile sores, ulcers or blisters.

If you have an abnormal penile discharge (leakage).

If your penis has started to smell.

If you have pain on passing urine.

Recurrent use (men and women): patients should be advised to consult their physician if the symptoms have not been relieved within one week of taking Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule. Canesten Thrush Oral Capsule can be used if the candidal infection returns after 7 days. However, if the candidal infection recurs more than twice within six months, patients should be advised to consult their physician.

Candidiasis: Studies have shown an increasing prevalence of infections with Candida species other than C. albicans. These are often inherently resistant (e.g. C. krusei and C. auris) or show reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (C. glabrata). Such infections may require alternative antifungal therapy secondary to treatment failure. Therefore, prescribers are advised to take into account the prevalence of resistance in various Candida species to fluconazole.

Renal system

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with renal dysfunction (see section 4.2).

Adrenal insufficiency

Ketoconazole is known to cause adrenal insufficiency and this could also, although rarely seen, be applicable to fluconazole.

Hepatobiliary system

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with liver dysfunction.

Fluconazole has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatic toxicity, including fatalities primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions.

The patient should be informed of suggestive symptoms of serious hepatic effect (important asthenia, anorexia, persistent nausea, vomiting and jaundice) and be advised to consult a doctor.

Cardiovascular system

Some azoles, including fluconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram.

The QT prolongation caused by other medicinal products may be amplified via the inhibition of cytochrome P450(CYP)3A4 (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

Patients with hypokalaemia and advanced cardiac failure are at an increased risk for the occurrence of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes.

Fluconazole must be administered with caution in patients with congenital or acquired QT prolongation, known cardiomyopathy, sinus bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, or history of torsades de pointes or other proarrhythmic conditions.

Dermatological reactions

Patients have rarely developed exfoliative cutaneous reactions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis during treatment with fluconazole. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has been reported.. The patient should be advised to consult a doctor if a rash, which is considered attributable to fluconazole, develops.

Hypersensitivity

The product should never be used again if the patient experiences a rash or anaphylaxis following the use of the drug.

Cytochrome P450

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients who are taking medicinal products with a narrow therapeutic window metabolized through CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 (see section 4.5).

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Fluconazole is a moderate inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 2C9 and 3A4. Fluconazole is also a strong inhibitor of the isozyme CYP2C19. 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 vast majority of formal interaction studies and case reports are related to multiple dose fluconazole use, therefore, the magnitude of the effect of this inhibition on an individual patient after a single dose of fluconazole is hard to predict, particularly in light of the individual variability in the activity of the isoenzymes. Nonetheless, single dose pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the inhibitory action of fluconazole is immediate and leads, dose-dependently, to increased plasma concentrations of the interacting agents.

The enzyme inhibiting effect of fluconazole persists 4-5 days after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment due to fluconazole's long plasma elimination half-life of approximately 30 hours and substantially longer tissue bioavailability (see section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties), therefore these interactions may be clinically relevant following coadministration with drugs that have both a narrow therapeutic window and also act on vital organ systems like the heart and brain or are involved with glucose metabolism.

Oral Anticoagulants (Coumarin-type / Warfarin, Indanedione):

Bleeding events (bruising, epistaxis, gastro-intestinal bleeding, haematuria, and melena) have been reported, in association with increases in prothrombin time in patients receiving fluconazole concurrently with warfarin. During concomitant treatment with fluconazole and warfarin the prothrombin time was prolonged up to 2-fold, probably due to an inhibition of the warfarin metabolism through CYP2C9. In patients receiving coumarin-type or indanedione anticoagulants concurrently with fluconazole the prothrombin time should be carefully monitored. Dose adjustment of the anticoagulant may be necessary.

Sulphonylureas (Chlorpropamide, Glibenclamide, Glipizide, Tolbutamide):

Fluconazole has been shown to prolong the serum half-life of concomitantly administered oral sulphonylureas (e.g. chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, tolbutamide) in healthy volunteers.

Frequent monitoring of blood glucose and appropriate reduction of sulfonylurea dose is recommended during coadministration.

Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide):

Co-administration of fluconazole and multiple dose hydrochlorothiazide to healthy volunteers during a kinetic interaction study, increased plasma concentrations of fluconazole by 40%. However, although the prescriber should bear this in mind, the fluconazole dose in patients receiving concomitant diuretics should not need to be altered.

Pimozide, Quinidine, Erythromycin:

Coadministration of fluconazole and other drugs such as pimozide, quinidine and erythromycin is contraindicated. Fluconazole can cause changes in the metabolism of these drugs, which can lead to increased plasma levels with potential risk of cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation and torsades de pointes).

Antiarrhythmics (Amiodarone):

Concomitant administration of fluconazole with amiodarone may increase QT prolongation. Therefore, caution should be taken when both drugs are combined, notably with high doses fluconazole (800 mg).

Hypnotic (Lemborexant):

Fluconazole increases 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. Therefore concomitant use of Lemborexant should be avoided.

Hypnotic (Lemborexant):

Fluconazole increases 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. Therefore concomitant use of Lemborexant should be avoided.

Antimalarials (Halofantrine):

Fluconazole can also lead to increased levels of halofantrine (via inhibitory effect on CYP3A4) with potential risk of cardiotoxicity. This combination should be avoided (see section 4.4).

Antipsychotics (Lurasidone):

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may increase lurasidone plasma concentrations and so concomitant use should be avoided. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, a reduced dose of lurasidone as instructed in the lurasidone prescribing information should be used.

Antipsychotics (Lurasidone):

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may increase lurasidone plasma concentrations and so concomitant use should be avoided. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, a reduced dose of lurasidone as instructed in the lurasidone prescribing information should be used.

Benzodiazepines (Midazolam, Triazolam):

Following oral administration of midazolam, fluconazole resulted in substantial increases in midazolam concentrations and psychomotor effects. Concomitant intake of fluconazole 200 mg and midazolam 7.5 mg orally increased the midazolam AUC and half-life 3.7-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively. Fluconazole 200 mg daily given concurrently with triazolam 0.25 mg orally increased the triazolam AUC and half-life 4.4-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. Potentiated and prolonged effects of triazolam have been observed at concomitant treatment with fluconazole.

If concomitant benzodiazepine therapy is necessary in patients being treated with fluconazole, consideration should be given to decreasing the benzodiazepine dose, and the patients should be appropriately monitored.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator (Ivacaftor):

A reduction of the ivacaftor (alone or combined with drugs in the same therapeutic class) dose is necessary as instructed in the ivacaftor prescribing information due to increased exposure when co-administered with fluconazole.

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Fluvastatin):

The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis increases (dose-dependent) when fluconazole is coadministered with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors metabolised 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 creatine kinase should be monitored. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be discontinued if a marked increase in creatine kinase is observed or myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected. Lower doses of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may be necessary as instructed in the statins prescribing information.

Antiepileptics (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine):

Levels of phenytoin may increase to a clinically significant degree during co-administration with fluconazole. Phenytoin levels should be monitored and the phenytoin dose adjusted to maintain therapeutic levels if co-administration is necessary.

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, therefore dose adjustment of carbamazepine may be necessary.

Oral Contraceptives (Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel):

Studies on the use of combined oral contraceptives with multiple doses of fluconazole have been performed. No relevant effects on hormone levels occurred during a study with fluconazole 50mg, whilst the AUCs of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel were increased by 40% and 24% respectively during a study with fluconazole 200mg. It is therefore considered that multiple dose fluconazole is unlikely to affect the efficacy of the combined oral contraceptive.

Anti-infectives (Rifampicin, Rifabutin):

A 25% decrease in the AUC and 20% shorter half-life of fluconazole occurred when fluconazole and rifampicin were administered concomitantly. An increase in the fluconazole dose should be considered in patients receiving concomitant rifampicin.

Fluconazole increases serum concentrations of rifabutin, leading to increase in the AUC of rifabutin up to 80%. There have been reports of uveitis in patients to whom fluconazole and rifabutin were coadministered. In combination therapy, symptoms of rifabutin toxicity should be taken into consideration.

Angiotensin II Antagonists (Losartan):

CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 are involved in the metabolism of losartan to its active carboxylic acid metabolite E-3174 that is responsible for most of the angiotensin II receptor antagonism that occurs with losartan therapy. Fluconazole was shown to significantly inhibit the conversion of losartan to this metabolite. Monitoring of patients for continued control of their hypertension is recommended.

Antidepressants (Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline):

Fluconazole increases the effect of amitriptyline and nortriptyline. Dose of amitriptyline/ nortriptyline should be adjusted, if necessary.

Analgesics/Anaesthetics (Alfentanil, Fentanyl, Methadone):

Coadministration of fluconazole may cause decreased clearance of alfentanil, fentanyl or methadone and subsequent increased or prolonged opioid effects (CNS depression, respiratory depression). Dose adjustment may be required.

Xanthines (Theophylline):

Use of fluconazole 200mg for 14 days showed an 18% decrease in the mean plasma clearance of theophylline. Patients who require high doses of theophylline or who may be at increased risk of theophylline toxicity should be monitored for signs of theophylline toxicity when fluconazole is co-administered. The therapy should be modified if signs of toxicity occur.

Antihistamines (Terfenadine, Astemizole):

One study with terfenadine and fluconazole 200mg daily did not show a prolongation in the QTc interval. Use of fluconazole (taken in multiple doses of 400mg and 800mg per day) and terfenadine concomitantly, significantly increased plasma levels of terfenadine. Spontaneous reports of palpitations, tachycardia, dizziness and chest pains have occurred in patients taking fluconazole and terfenadine concomitantly where the relationship of the reported adverse events to drug therapy or underlying medical condition is uncertain. It is recommended that terfenadine and fluconazole should not be administered concomitantly due to the potential seriousness of such an interaction (see section 4.3).

Astemizole taken concomitantly with fluconazole may be associated with elevations in serum levels of this drug in patients, which can lead to QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Coadministration of fluconazole and astemizole is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Propulsives (Cisapride):

Cardiac events including torsades de pointes have been reported in patients receiving fluconazole and cisapride concomitantly. A controlled study found that concomitant fluconazole 200 mg once daily and cisapride 20 mg four times a day yielded a significant increase in cisapride plasma levels and prolongation of QTc interval. Co-administration of cisapride is contra-indicated in patients receiving fluconazole (see section 4.3).

Antivirals (Zidovudine, Saquinavir):

Fluconazole increases Cmax and AUC of zidovudine by 84% and 74%, respectively, due to an approx. 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.

Fluconazole increases the AUC and Cmax of saquinavir with approximately 50% and 55% respectively, due to inhibition of saquinavir's hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 and inhibition of P-glycoprotein.

Dose adjustment of these drugs may be required.

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (Celecoxib, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Lornoxicam, Meloxicam, Diclofenac):

Fluconazole may increase the systemic exposure of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Adjustment of dose during concomitant treatment may be required.

Immuno-suppressants (Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, Tofacitinib):

Fluconazole significantly increases the concentration and AUC of ciclosporin. During concomitant treatment with fluconazole 200 mg daily and ciclosporin (2.7 mg/kg/day) there was a 1.8 fold increase in ciclosporin AUC. This combination may be used by reducing the dose of ciclosporin depending on ciclosporin concentration.

Increased serum levels of tacrolimus (when orally administered) and sirolimus have been reported in patients receiving fluconazole and these drugs concomitantly, potentially due to inhibition of their metabolism. Increased levels of tacrolimus have been associated with nephrotoxicity. Dose of tacrolimus or sirolimus should be adjusted.

Exposure of tofacitinib is increased when tofacitinib is co-administered with fluconazole therefore, it is recommended to reduce tofacitinib dose to 5 mg once daily.

Kinase Inhibitors (Ibrutinib, Abrocitinib)

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole increase plasma ibrutinib concentrations and may increase risk of toxicity. If the combination cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of ibrutinib to 280 mg once daily (two capsules) for the duration of the inhibitor use and provide close clinical monitoring.

Fluconazole (inhibitor of CYP2C19, 2C9, 3A4) increased exposure of abrocitinib active moiety by 155%. If co-administered with fluconazole, adjust the dose of abrocitinib as instructed in the abrocitinib prescribing information.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) Inhibitor (Olaparib)

Fluconazole increases olaparib plasma concentrations therefore, concomitant use is not recommended. If the combination cannot be avoided limit the dose of olaparib to 200 mg twice daily.

Studies show that when fluconazole is taken orally with food, cimetidine, antacids or following total body irradiation for bone marrow transplantation, the absorption of fluconazole is not significantly impaired.

Selective Vasopressin V2-Receptor Antagonist (Tolvaptan)

Exposure to tolvaptan is significantly increased (200% in AUC; 80% in Cmax) when tolvaptan, a CYP3A4 substrate, is co-administered with fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, with risk of significant increase in adverse reactions particularly significant diuresis, dehydration and acute renal failure. In case of concomitant use, 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.

Women of childbearing potential

Before initiating treatment, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.

After single dose treatment, a washout period of 1 week (corresponding to 5-6 half-lives) is recommended before becoming pregnant (see section 5.2).

For longer courses of treatment, contraception may be considered, as appropriate, in women of childbearing potential throughout the treatment period and for 1 week after the final dose.

Pregnancy

Observational studies suggest an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in women treated with fluconazole during the first and/or second trimester compared to women not treated with fluconazole or treated with topical azoles during the same period.

Data from several thousand pregnant women treated with a cumulative dose of ≤ 150 mg of fluconazole, administered in the first trimester, show no increase in the overall risk of malformations in the foetus. In one large observational cohort study, first trimester exposure to oral fluconazole was associated with a small increased risk of musculoskeletal malformations, corresponding to approximately 1 additional case per 1000 women treated with cumulative doses ≤ 450 mg compared with women treated with topical azoles and to approximately 4 additional cases per 1000 women treated with cumulative doses over 450 mg. The adjusted relative risk was 1.29 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.58) for 150 mg oral fluconazole and 1.98 (95% CI 1.23 to 3.17) for doses over 450 mg fluconazole.

Available epidemiological studies on cardiac malformations with use of fluconazole during pregnancy provide inconsistent results. However, a meta-analysis of 5 observational studies including several thousand pregnant women exposed to fluconazole during the first trimester finds a 1.8-2 fold increased risk of cardiac malformations when compared to no fluconazole use and/or topical azoles use.

Case reports describe a pattern of birth defects among infants whose mothers received high-dose (400 to 800 mg/day) fluconazole during pregnancy for 3 months or more, in the treatment of coccidioidomycosis. The birth defects seen in these infants include brachycephaly, ears dysplasia, giant anterior fontanelles, femoral bowing and radio-humeral synostosis. A causal relationship between fluconazole use and these birth defects is uncertain.

Fluconazole in standard doses and short-term treatments should not be used during pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential unless clearly necessary or as recommended by a doctor. Fluconazole in high dose and/or in prolonged regimens should not be used during pregnancy except for potentially life-threatening infections.

Fluconazole passes into breast milk to reach concentrations similar to those in plasma (see section 5.2). Breastfeeding may be maintained after a single dose of 150 mg fluconazole but is not recommended after repeated use. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for fluconazole 150 mg and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from fluconazole 150 mg or from the underlying maternal condition.

No studies on the effect on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, undesirable effects such as dizziness have been observed. If dizziness occurs, patients should not drive or operate machines.

Summary of safety profile:

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has been reported in association with fluconazole treatment (see section 4.4).

The most frequently (>1/10) reported adverse reactions are headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased and rash.

The following adverse reactions have been observed and reported during treatment with Fluconazole with the following frequencies: Common (≥ 1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000) not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Uncommon: Anaemia.

Rare: Agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia.

Immune System Disorders

Rare: Anaphylaxis.

Not known: Hypersensitivity.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Uncommon: Decreased appetite.

Rare: Hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypokalaemia.

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon: Somnolence, insomnia.

Nervous system disorders

Common: Headache.

Uncommon: Seizures, paraesthesia, dizziness, dysgeusia.

Rare: Tremor.

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Uncommon: Vertigo.

Cardiac disorders

Rare: Torsades de pointes (see section 4.4), QT prolongation (see section 4.4).

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea.

Uncommon: Constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, dry mouth.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common: Alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased (see section 4.4).

Uncommon: Jaundice, cholestasis, bilirubin increased.

Rare: Hepatic failure, hepatocellular necrosis, hepatitis, hepatocellular damage (see section 4.4).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common: Rash (see section 4.4).

Uncommon: Drug eruption* (see section 4.4), urticaria (see section 4.4), pruritus, hyperhidrosis.

Rare: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute generalised exanthematous-pustulosis, dermatitis exfoliative, angioedema, face oedema, alopecia.

Not Known: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

*including Fixed Drug Eruption.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Uncommon: Myalgia.

General disorders and administration site conditions

Uncommon: Fatigue, malaise, asthenia, pyrexia.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

There have been reports of overdose with fluconazole and hallucination and paranoid behaviour have been concomitantly reported.

In the event of overdose, supportive measures and symptomatic treatment, with gastric lavage if necessary, may be adequate.

Fluconazole is largely excreted in the urine and therefore, forced volume diuresis would probably increase the elimination rate. Plasma levels are decreased by approximately 50% during a 3-hour haemodialysis session.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal, ATC-Code: J02AC01

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal. It is a potent and selective inhibitor of fungal enzymes necessary for the synthesis of ergosterol.

Fluconazole shows little pharmacological activity in a wide range of animal studies. Some prolongation of pentabarbitone sleeping times in mice (p.o.), increased mean arterial and left ventricular blood pressure and increased heart rate in anaesthetised cats (i.v.) occurred. Inhibition of rat ovarian aromatase was observed at high concentrations.

Fluconazole was active in a variety of animal fungal infection models. Activity has been demonstrated against opportunistic mycoses, such as infections with Candida spp. including systemic candidiasis in immuno-compromised animals; with Cryptococcus neoformans, including intracranial infections; with Microsporum spp. and with Trichophyton spp. Fluconazole has also been shown to be active in animal models of endemic mycoses, including infections with Blastomyces dermatitides; with Coccidoides immitis, including intracranial infection and with Histoplasma capsulatum in normal and immuno-compromised animals.

In vitro, fluconazole displays antifungal activity against clinically common Candida species (including C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis).

C. glabrata shows reduced susceptibility to fluconazole while C. krusei and C.auris are resistant to fluconazole.

There have been reports of cases of superinfection with Candida species other than C. albicans, which often have inherently reduced susceptibility (C. glabrata) or resistance to fluconazole (e.g. C. krusei, C. auris). Such infections may require alternative antifungal therapy.

Fluconazole is highly specific for fungal cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes. Fluconazole has been shown not to affect testosterone plasma concentrations in males or steroid concentrations in females of childbearing age when given 50mg daily for up to 28 days. No clinically significant effect has been seen on endogenous steroid levels or on ACTH stimulated response in healthy male volunteers taking fluconazole 200 – 400mg daily. Interaction studies with antipyrine indicate that single or multiple doses of fluconazole 50mg do not affect its metabolism.

The pharmacokinetic properties of fluconazole are similar whether administered orally or by the intravenous route. After oral administration, fluconazole is well absorbed and plasma levels (and systemic bioavailability) are over 90% of the levels achieved after intravenous administration. Concomitant food intake does not affect oral absorption. In the fasting state peak plasma concentrations occur between 0.5 and 1.5 hours post-dose with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 30 hours. Plasma concentrations are proportional to dose. Ninety- percent steady state levels are reached by day 4 to 5 with multiple once daily dosing.

Administration of a loading dose (on day 1) of twice the usual daily dose enables plasma levels to approximate to 90% steady state levels by day 2. The apparent volume of distribution approximates to total body water. Plasma protein binding is low (11-12%).

Fluconazole achieves good penetration in all body fluids studied. The levels of fluconazole in saliva and sputum are similar to plasma levels. In patients with fungal meningitis, fluconazole levels in the CSF are approximately 80% of the corresponding plasma levels.

High skin concentrations of fluconazole, above serum concentrations, are achieved in the stratum corneum, epidermis-dermis and eccrine sweat. Fluconazole accumulates in the stratum corneum. At a dose of 50mg once daily, the concentration of fluconazole after 12 days was 73 mg/g and 7 days after cessation of treatment the concentration was still 5.8 mg/g.

Excretion is mainly renal, with approximately 80% of the administered dose appearing in the urine as unchanged drug. Fluconazole clearance is proportional to creatinine clearance. There is no evidence of circulating metabolites.

The long plasma elimination half-life provides the basis for single dose therapy for genital candidiasis.

A study compared the saliva and plasma concentrations of a single fluconazole 100mg dose administration in a capsule or in an oral suspension by rinsing and retaining in the mouth for 2 minutes and swallowing. The maximum concentration of fluconazole in saliva after the suspension was observed five minutes after ingestion and was 182 times higher than maximum saliva concentration after the capsule which occurred four hours after ingestion. After about four hours, the saliva concentrations of fluconazole were similar. The mean AUC (0-96) in saliva was significantly greater after the suspension compared to the capsule. There was no significant difference in the elimination rate from the saliva or the plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for the two formulations.

A pharmacokinetic study in ten lactating women, who had temporarily or permanently stopped breast-feeding their infants, evaluated fluconazole concentrations in plasma and breast milk for 48 hours following a single 150 mg dose of Fluconazole. Fluconazole was detected in breast milk at an average concentration of approximately 98% of those in maternal plasma. The mean peak breast milk concentration was 2.61 mg/L at 5.2 hours post-dose. The estimated daily infant dose of fluconazole from breast milk (assuming mean milk consumption of 150 ml/kg/day) based on the mean peak milk concentration is 0.39 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 40% of the recommended neonatal dose (<2 weeks of age) or 13% of the recommended infant dose for mucosal candidiasis.

Reproductive Toxicity:

At 25 and 50mg/kg and higher doses, increases in foetal anatomical variants (supernumerary ribs, renal pelvis dilation) and delays in ossification were observed. At doses ranging from 80mg/kg to 320mg/kg embryolethality in rats was increased and foetal abnormalities included wavy ribs, cleft palate and abnormal cranio-facial ossification. This may be a result of known effects of lowered oestrogen on pregnancy, organogenesis and parturition as it is consistent with the inhibition of oestrogen synthesis in rats.

Carcinogenesis:

No evidence of carcinogenic potential was observed in mice and rats treated orally with fluconazole for 24 months at doses of 2.5, 5 or 10mg/kg/day. The incidence of hepatocellular adenomas was increased in male rats treated with 5 and 10mg/kg/day.

Mutagenesis:

Fluconazole, with or without metabolic activation, was negative in tests for mutagenicity in 4 strains of S. typhimurium and in the mouse lymphoma L5178Y system. No evidence of chromosomal mutations was observed in cytogenetic studies in vivo (murine bone marrow cells, following oral administration of fluconazole). Data derived from in vitro studies (human lymphocytes exposed to fluconazole) are not consistent.

Impairment of Fertility:

The fertility of male or female rats treated orally with daily doses of fluconazole at doses of 5, 10 or 20mg/kg or with parenteral doses of 5, 25 or 75mg/kg was not affected, although the onset of parturition was slightly delayed at 20mg/kg p.o. In an intravenous perinatal study in rats at 5, 20 and 40mg/kg, dystocia and prolongation of parturition were observed in a few dams at 20mg/kg and 40mg/kg, but not at 5mg/kg. The disturbances in parturition were reflected by a slight increase in the number of stillborn pups and decrease of neonatal survival at these dose levels. The effects on parturition in rats are consistent with the species specific oestrogen-lowering property produced by high doses of fluconazole. Such a hormone change has not been observed in women treated with fluconazole.

Lactose monohydrate

Maize starch

Colloidal silicon dioxide

Magnesium stearate

Sodium lauryl sulphate

Capsule shells contain:

Brilliant blue FCF (E133)

Titanium dioxide (E171)

Gelatin

Printing ink contains:

Shellac

Black iron oxide (E172)

Propylene glycol

Not applicable

3 years

No special precautions for storage

Opaque, white PVC/PVdC (60g/m²) blister with 20µ m aluminium foil backing containing one capsule.

Not applicable.