Fluconazole and yeast infection
Fluconazole (trade name Diflucan) is an antifungal medication used to treat different infections. It is most commonly taken in pill form and is often used to treat yeast infections (candidiasis) when topical creams are’nt getting the job done. It has been used for over 25 years in the U.S.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed the public that chronic, high doses (400-800 mg/day) of fluconazole may be associated with a rare and distinct set of birth defects in babies whose mothers were treated with the drug during the first trimester of pregnancy. This risk, however, does not appear to be associated with a single, low dose of fluconazole (150 mg) to treat vaginal yeast infection.
There are several published case reports of birth defects in infants whose mothers were treated with high-dose fluconazole (400-800 mg/day) for serious and life-threatening fungal infections during most or all of the first trimester. Based on this information, the pregnancy category for fluconazole indications (other than vaginal yeast infection) has been changed from category C to category D. Pregnancy category D means there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on human data but the potential benefits from use of the drug in pregnant women with serious or life-threatening conditions may be acceptable despite its risks.
Again, a single dose (150 mg) of fluconazole to treat a yeast infection during early pregnancy does not appear to increase risks to a developing baby. The use of high dose fluconazole for many weeks, however, may increase the risk of having a baby with a specific pattern of birth defects. Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about using this medication.
Tags: birth defect, candidiasis, Diflucan, fluconazole, teratogen, yeast infection
April 10th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
ok well the info here is on early pregnancy. . . what about the 3rd trimester? im 7 almost 8 months along and was told 2 take the medication. . . .i very weary of it and im wondering is there any safer alternatives? plz help. . . .
April 11th, 2012 at 8:19 am
For more specific answers to questions about drugs taken during pregnancy, contact the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists at 866-626-6847. Here is a link to their fact sheet on Fluconazole: http://www.otispregnancy.org/files/fluconazole.pdf