Fluconazole typically starts to work within 24 to 72 hours after taking the medication. For mild, uncomplicated infections such as vaginal yeast infections, symptom improvement is usually seen within one to three days, and sometimes symptoms may begin to fade within 24 hours

. In more severe or systemic fungal infections, it may take longer-often days to weeks-for symptom relief to become noticeable, and complete resolution could take several weeks depending on the infection’s type and severity

. For example, fluconazole may be prescribed over multiple doses or for extended periods (10 to 14 days or longer) in severe cases, with symptom improvement expected within one to two weeks or more

. Pharmacokinetically, fluconazole reaches peak blood levels within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration and steady-state concentrations are achieved within 5 to 10 days with daily dosing

. Its half-life is about 30 hours, meaning the drug continues to work in the body even after stopping treatment

. In summary:

• Mild infections: symptom improvement within 1-3 days, sometimes as soon as 24 hours
• Severe infections: symptom relief may take 1-2 weeks or longer
• Full treatment duration and response depend on infection type and severity, so completing the prescribed course is essential

This timeline reflects fluconazole’s mechanism of action, which inhibits fungal cell membrane synthesis, halting fungal growth and allowing symptoms to improve as the infection clears