title: Medication review: fluconazole.
abstract: Fluconazole is an antifungal agent available for the treatment of oropharyngeal and esophageal candida and cryptococcal meningitis. It has been found to be equal to or more efficacious than amphotericin B in treating oral and esophageal candidiasis and in providing maintenance therapy for cryptococcal meningitis. It still remains to be seen if it can be equally effective in treating acute cryptococcal infections and systemic candidiasis. In these fungal infections, amphotericin B remains the clinically proven drug of choice. To its advantage, it does not cause acute renal failure, bone marrow depression, or suppress corticosteroid production which are significant drawbacks to other available agents. It is a drug with great promise for its specific indications, but more studies in renal failure and organ transplant patients are needed to firmly establish its efficacy in these populations.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Holechek
mesh_terms: D015725:Fluconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care; D006435:Renal Dialysis
chemical_list: D015725:Fluconazole