Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat and prevent infections caused by fungi and yeast, particularly those caused by Candida species. It is effective against various fungal infections including vaginal thrush, oral thrush, balanitis, bloodstream infections, and cryptococcal meningitis, a serious brain infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus

. Fluconazole works by inhibiting an enzyme (lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase) essential for producing ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. This disruption weakens the fungal cell membrane, stopping the growth of the fungus without significantly affecting human cells

. It is available in several forms: oral capsules, liquid suspension, and injectable forms, with dosage and duration depending on the type and severity of infection

. Fluconazole is often prescribed for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant recipients, to prevent fungal infections

. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and rash. Serious side effects are rare but may include liver problems and severe skin reactions

. Fluconazole is a widely used, essential medicine listed by the World Health Organization and is available both as a brand-name drug (e.g., Diflucan) and in generic forms