FLUVIQ 150

Fluconazole is a first-generation bis-triazole antifungal that inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51). This enzyme is responsible for converting lanosterol to ergosterol — the principal structural sterol of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the membrane becomes functionally defective, abnormally permeable to ions and small molecules, and unable to support the active transport and receptor functions essential for fungal cell viability.

Fluconazole's selectivity for fungal CYP51 over the mammalian equivalent (which produces cholesterol) is the basis for its clinical tolerability — it disrupts fungal membrane integrity without significant mammalian cell toxicity at therapeutic doses.

Key pharmacokinetic properties that explain fluconazole's clinical utility:
— Oral bioavailability of ~90%, producing blood levels essentially identical to IV administration
— Half-life of 30 hours — the longest of any triazole antifungal, enabling once-weekly dosing for prophylaxis and once-daily dosing for systemic infections
— Exceptional penetration into all body fluid compartments including CNS, urine, saliva, vaginal secretions, and bronchial secretions — making it effective for mucous membrane, urinary, and CNS fungal infections
— A single 150mg dose achieves therapeutic vaginal concentrations that persist for 72 hours — sufficient for complete eradication of susceptible Candida albicans, the basis of the landmark single-dose VVC treatment

Fluconazole's Candida spectrum covers C. albicans (highly susceptible), C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei (partially resistant). C. glabrata has variable susceptibility. C. auris is predominantly resistant — an important consideration in healthcare-associated candidiasis.

FLUVIQ 150 is indicated for Candida infections of the mucous membranes, urinary tract, and systemic tissues where fluconazole's oral bioavailability, long half-life, and excellent tissue penetration provide clinical advantage.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Primary Indication): A single 150mg dose achieves therapeutic vaginal concentrations for 72 hours — sufficient for complete eradication of uncomplicated C. albicans VVC. This single-dose regimen is the most widely prescribed antifungal treatment globally, with decades of evidence demonstrating equivalence to 7-day topical therapy and superior patient compliance.

Oropharyngeal and Oesophageal Candidiasis: 150mg daily for 2 weeks for oropharyngeal candidiasis; 200–400mg daily for oesophageal candidiasis in immunocompromised patients.

Urinary Candidiasis: Fluconazole achieves high urine concentrations, making it the preferred oral antifungal for Candida UTIs and candiduria.

Systemic Candidiasis: Candidaemia and disseminated candidiasis in stable, non-neutropenic patients — 800mg loading dose followed by 400mg daily.

Prophylaxis: 150mg weekly for prophylaxis of VVC in women with recurrent VVC (≥4 episodes/year) — an important long-term management strategy.

Cryptococcal Meningitis: Consolidation and maintenance therapy (200mg daily) following amphotericin B induction — a critical HIV complication indication.

Tinea Infections: Off-label but widely used for resistant tinea unguium and pityriasis versicolor where itraconazole is unavailable.

Dosage and administration should be as prescribed by a qualified doctor or medical professional. Do not self-medicate. Always follow your physician's instructions regarding dose, frequency and duration of treatment.