Fluconazole for children: instructions for use

Children are frequently prescribed the common antifungal drug fluconazole to treat a variety of fungal infections. It is used to treat illnesses that could harm a child’s health, such as thrush, yeast infections, and other fungal-related problems.

Giving their kids medicine can cause parents to feel uneasy, especially if the medication is intended to treat an infection. These concerns can be reduced and safe and efficient treatment can be ensured by being aware of how fluconazole functions and how to use it correctly.

This article offers parents clear instructions on how to use fluconazole for children, along with important considerations and possible side effects to be aware of.

Fluconazole Use	Details
What is it for?	Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections in children, such as thrush or ringworm.
How is it taken?	It can be given as a tablet, liquid, or injection, depending on the child"s condition.
Dosage	The dose depends on the child"s age, weight, and type of infection. Always follow the doctor"s instructions.
Possible side effects	Common side effects include nausea, headache, or stomach pain. If side effects are severe, contact a doctor.
Precautions	Fluconazole should only be given to children under a doctor"s supervision. Inform the doctor of any allergies or medications the child is taking.

Release form

• Capsules. They come in yellow, white-green, blue, white-blue, dark green, white or white-yellow colors. Inside the dense gelatin shell is a white powder. The most common packages contain one, seven or ten capsules, but some manufacturers offer other quantities. The drug is sold in blisters or jars.

• Tablets. They are usually round in shape and have a white shell. Depending on the dosage, one package of such "Fluconazole" includes 1, 2 or 10 tablets.
• Injection solution. It is available in polyethylene or glass bottles of 50 and 100 ml and is a colorless (sometimes yellowish) transparent liquid. Depending on the doctor"s prescription, you can purchase one bottle separately or buy a package containing 5, 10 or more bottles.

A second word or prefix designating the manufacturer is occasionally included in the name of the medication. For instance, "Fluconazole Sandoz" is made in Slovenia by the company "Sandoz," "Fluconazole-Teva" is a brand of the well-known Israeli company "Teva," and "Fluconazole Stada" is made in Russia by the company "Nizhpharm." However, because these medications are all antifungal agents based on the same substance, their actions are identical.

Composition

Fluconazole is the name of the drug’s primary ingredient. It is available in dosages of 50, 100, or 150 mg when taken in solid form (as tablets or capsules). Such an ingredient is present in one milliliter of injection solution in a dosage of two milligrams. Moreover, capsules may contain calcium stearate, aerosil, corn starch, MCC, milk sugar, and other ingredients, depending on the manufacturer.

Sterile water and sodium chloride are the injection form’s auxiliary components. Some manufacturers also add sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid to the solution, which is required for a proper pH.

Principle of action

The action of fluconazole on pathogenic fungus is particular. Specifically, this substance blocks the function of an enzyme known as "cytochrome P450." This alters the fungal cells’ metabolic processes and makes their membranes more permeable. The medication exhibits strong anti-Candida activity. Other mycosis pathogens, such as cryptococci, coccidioides, trichophyton, and ringworm pathogens, are also impacted by "fluconazole."

Indications

Capsules and tablets labeled "Fluconazole" are prescribed for Candida lesions of the lips, lungs, skin, genitalia (with thrush), heart, and other organs. The medication is also used to treat histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, and mycosis of the trunk, feet, and nails. Additionally, after a course of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, HIV, malignant tumors, after transplantation, and in other situations where the immune system is compromised, capsules are prescribed to prevent fungal lesions.

Injection-based treatment for "Fluconazole" is used to treat endemic mycoses, cryptococcosis, and generalized forms of candidiasis. The medication is also sought after as a prophylactic against a weakened immune response, which might occur, for instance, from immunosuppressive medication or an organ transplant.

From what age is it prescribed?

Although solid forms of fluconazole can be administered to children as early as birth, their inability to swallow small doses of the medication should delay its use until the child is three to four years old. In the first two weeks of life, injections are given to newborns at intervals of 72 hours rather than daily because their bodies excrete fluconazole more slowly than those of older children.

Injections are administered to infants every 48 hours during the third and fourth weeks of their lives.

Contraindications

Children who are allergic to any of the drug’s ingredients cannot use fluconazole. Patients with lactase intolerance or deficiency are not prescribed such a drug if the capsules contain milk sugar. When using such an antifungal agent, children with serious illnesses such as kidney pathologies, heart disease, liver failure, and other conditions need to be under medical supervision.

Side effects

The use of "Fluconazole" may result in a number of unfavorable effects, including:

• skin rash;
• decreased appetite;
• headache;
• nausea;
• loose stools;
• changes in taste;
• itching of the skin;
• flatulence.

It is advised to speak with a doctor before selecting a different medication if these or other symptoms appear.

Children who suffer from thrush or other fungal infections are frequently prescribed the antifungal drug fluconazole. It’s crucial to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions when administering it to children, making sure to pay attention to the right dosage and duration to ensure both effectiveness and safety. Along with being aware of possible side effects, parents should also contact their healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.

Instructions for use

Capsules or tablets

When taking the medication in this form, it should be swallowed and followed by water. It is not advised to chew, bite, or open it in any other way. A child receiving such "Fluconazole" is administered a daily dose determined by weight and the child’s diagnosis. For instance, the medication is prescribed at a dose of 3 mg/kg per day for candidal stomatitis.

Sometimes the doctor will advise taking two capsules on the first day (6 mg/kg). For prophylactic purposes, the same dose is administered; however, it may be raised to 12 mg/kg. In cases of more severe candidiasis, the dosage is additionally raised to 6–12 mg/kg.

The recommended daily dosage for children is 12 mg/kg, and this should not be surpassed. For instance, a patient who was 7 years old and weighed 25 kg was prescribed the medication. A child of this type should not receive more than 300 mg of fluconazole per day, which is equal to six 50 mg capsules, three 100 mg capsules, or two 150 mg capsules.

Injections

The medication is injected intravenously once daily, and prior to use, it can be diluted with saline, dextrose solution, or other drip infusion solutions. The administration ought to move slowly.

Because the dosage depends on the patient’s weight and the type of disease, it is determined on an individual basis. To treat a child diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis or generalized candidiasis, for instance, 6–12 mg of fluconazole are needed for every kg of body weight. Such treatment lasts for a maximum of 12 weeks.

The recommended daily dosage of the medication for a small patient with mucous membrane Candida lesions is 3 mg/kg. The first day of many regimens involves a loading dose (6 mg/kg) to enable the concentrations of fluconazole to reach effective levels more quickly. Treatment lasts for a minimum of two to three weeks.

In a child whose immunity has been compromised (for example, following radiation therapy), 3 to 12 mg of fluconazole intravenously are given for every kg of the patient’s weight to lower the risk of fungal infection. The results of a blood test determine how long to administer these injections.

Overdose

Behavior abnormalities and hallucinations may result from an unintentional overdose of fluconazole administered as an injection or as a solid. To get rid of overdose symptoms, forced diuresis and symptomatic therapy are employed. Hemodialysis is used if the child’s condition is very serious.

Interaction with other drugs

Terfenadine, rifabutin, warfarin, astemizole, phenytoin, acetylsalicylic acid, and numerous other medications cannot be taken together with "fluconazole."

A physician should determine whether using fluconazole is admissible if the child is already receiving treatment.

Terms of sale

Fluconazole in solid form is categorized as an over-the-counter medication, while vials intended for intravenous injection are sold exclusively with a prescription. The number of capsules, tablets, or vials in a box, the manufacturer, and the drug’s dosage all affect the drug’s price. For instance, a package of seven 50 mg capsules of Fluconazole-Teva costs roughly 260 rubles, but the same medication from a Russian manufacturer can be bought for 20–60 rubles.

Storage conditions

The capsule package needs to be kept between +25 and +30 degrees. Keeping Fluconazole at home in a location that a small child cannot access is crucial. The drug that is encapsulated typically has a two- or three-year shelf life.

Reviews

The majority of the time, "Fluconazole" is used with positive reviews. Parents say this medication works well and is reasonably priced, and it helps get rid of candidiasis symptoms fast. It did, however, cause adverse effects in certain patients. There are instances where the drug’s effectiveness was insufficient, necessitating the replacement of fluconazole with other prescriptions.

A common drug used to treat fungal infections in children is fluconazole. To guarantee the best outcomes, it’s critical to adhere to the dosage recommendations given by a medical professional.

Parents should be aware of potential side effects and keep an eye out for any indications of an allergic reaction even though fluconazole is generally safe. It’s critical to get in touch with a doctor as soon as any strange symptoms manifest.

Even if your child feels better, always make sure to finish the entire course of medication to completely clear the infection and stop it from coming back.

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