Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Alcohol Interaction: Can You Drink Alcohol with Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug, specifically an azole antifungal. It prevents and treats fungal infections like yeast infections. Fluconazole is also known as Diflucan, which is the brand name for the medication. Diflucan is available in tablet and liquid forms and it’s usually taken once per day.

Antifungal anzoles like fluconazole work by stopping the growth of fungus that causes infections. Fluconazole works best when there is a consistent amount of the medication in your system over some time. The most common dosage of fluconazole for adults starts with 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg on subsequent days for at least three weeks.

What are the Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Fluconazole (Diflucan)?

Fluconazole and alcohol have side effects and they become more intense when you mix them. Alcohol causes intoxication, whereas fluconazole causes blushing and headaches. When the two substances are combined, many negative side effects will occur.

Some of the most common side effects of Fluconazole are listed below.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach or stomach pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hair Loss

More serious side effects are found below.

• Loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness
• Weight Loss

These three symptoms, especially when experienced together, can be indications that your adrenal glands are not functioning properly.

Some of the most serious side effects are listed below.

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Fainting
• Liver Disease

Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness are also side effects of alcohol consumption and it’s difficult to determine what drug causes the side effect. Additionally, symptoms like dizziness make it difficult to determine the severity of the side effect, which makes you less likely to seek help.

If you’re experiencing any side effects, make sure you contact your health care professional or emergency services.

Does Fluconazole (Diflucan) Affect the Taste of Alcohol?

There is no evidence to suggest that fluconazole affects the taste of alcohol. While drinking alcohol within seconds of taking fluconazole may impact the taste, it doesn’t for long periods. Still, the taste varies from person to person.

In some cases, the aftertaste of fluconazole lingers for several minutes. Swallowing the medication slowly also increases the chance that it changes how alcohol tastes.

Can a mixture of Alcohol and Fluconazole (Diflucan) Lead to death?

Yes, there is a chance that alcohol and fluconazole will lead to death. Diflucan poses the chance for a serious side effect called QT prolongation, which affects the timing your heart muscle. Ultimately, it may alter how fast or slow your heart beats.

Signs of fluconazole and alcohol overdose may include hallucinations and drastic mental health changes. Research from the CDC has also found that Diflucan is more likely to cause these symptoms in older patients.

Seek emergency medical assistance if you are experiencing these symptoms. Alcohol-related death is possible with it’s mixed with most substances, so use caution and consult with your doctor.

Does Dosage of Fluconazole (Diflucan) Affect the Interaction with Alcohol?

The dosage of fluconazole should not affect its interaction with alcohol, as long as alcohol is being consumed in moderation. As Fluconazole’s dosage is primarily based on age, weight, and medical condition, you should still aim to adhere to the suggested guidelines regarding daily recommended alcohol intake to lower the chance of adverse side effects.

That said, even average doses of 400 milligrams will interact with alcohol. Because the liver prioritizes alcohol over fluconazole, it’s effects are delayed.

Who Should Not Take Alcohol and Fluconazole (Diflucan)?

People who have heart problems like arrhythmia or an allergy to fluconazole should not mix alcohol and fluconazole. The chances of problems occurring are rare but they’re still possible. Furthermore, some groups are more likely to experience problems than others.

People who shouldn’t mix alcohol and fluconazole are listed below.

• Those with allergies to azole antifungal drugs
• History of liver or kidney disease
• Heart problems or family history of heart problems (including, but not limited to sudden cardiac death and QT prolongation)
• Those with low levels of potassium or magnesium are at an increased risk.
• Those who are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

These are only some of the groups that should avoid mixing alcohol with fluconazole. However, combining the two substances is never a good idea.

Are all types of Alcohol Harmful with Fluconazole?

Yes, all types of alcohol are not harmful with fluconazole but moderation is key. The current recommendation regarding alcoholic drinks is 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. One alcoholic drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

That said, consuming alcohol with a high alcohol percentage is more dangerous than consuming alcohol with a low alcohol percentage. Liquor is more dangerous to drink with medication because people become drunk faster. This is because liquor has a higher alcohol concentration by volume.

How Much Fluconazole (Diflucan) Can Be Dangerous to Take with Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol in moderation is not dangerous when taking fluconazole but studies from the CDC show that increasing the dosage increases the risk of adverse effects. According to this study from the CDC, more than a few alcoholic drinks with a 400 mg dose of fluconazole will lead to adverse effects. In fact, as the dosage of fluconazole becomes higher, drinking alcohol becomes dangerous.

Those who fit into an “at-risk” category should avoid alcohol while taking fluconazole due to the chance that it may make pre-existing conditions more severe, or you may experience more severe side effects. Additionally, if you’re experiencing any abnormal side effects talk to your health care provider or seek medical attention.

Does Alcohol Affect How Well Fluconazole (Diflucan) Will Work?

No, alcohol does not necessarily affect how well fluconazole will work. However, mixing alcohol and fluconazole lengthens how long your body takes to heal and makes you feel worse. Mixing alcohol and fluconazole also amplifies the side effects of the medication.

SAMHSA and other research organizations like the CDC have found that alcohol suppresses the immune system. Therefore, your body has a harder time treating infections when alcohol is in your bloodstream. While fluconazole helps to treat many candida infections (yeast infections or thrush), drinking alcohol while on fluconazole is often counterproductive.

How Long After Taking Fluconazole (Diflucan) Can You Drink Alcohol?

While there are no serious risks associated with drinking alcohol in moderation with fluconazole, the CDC recommends waiting 48 hours after your last dose. This will also give the medication the highest chance for treatment success. Still, you’ll be safer if you wait for up to 72 hours.

It’s also important to note that the dosage plays a role in how long you need to wait. For example, one single 200 mg dose of Fluconazole causes no little to no interaction with alcohol. Furthermore, the time frame of your treatment is also important. The longer you take fluconazole the longer you need to wait before consuming alcohol.

What are the Treatment Options for Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Alcohol Abuse?

Fluconazole and alcohol abuse have a few treatment options. These treatment options vary but work based on the severity of alcoholism. That said, if someone is overdosing on alcohol and fluconazole they must be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Inpatient therapy treats the addiction to alcohol and fluconazole with a combination of therapy and detox. On the other hand, outpatient therapy treats alcohol and fluconazole addiction with behavioral therapy and counseling. Inpatient treatments are long term and the patient needs to live at the rehab center, whereas outpatient treatments are short term.

What Are Other Drugs That Are Dangerous To Use With Alcohol?

Mixing any substance with alcohol is not a good idea. Alcohol interacts with the entire body and it’s not uncommon for problems to occur when mixing it with drugs or medication.

While many drugs are dangerous to use with alcohol, we list the most dangerous below.

• Benzodiazepines
• Benadryl
• Adderall
• Antidepressants
• Amoxicillin
• Gabapentin
• Trazodone
• Bactrim
• Sudafed
• Hallucinogens
• Mucinex
• Zyrtec
• Lexapro
• Xanax
• Zoloft
• Claritin
• Marijuana
• CBD
• Oxycodone
• Hydroxyzine
• Clindamycin

Keep in mind that these are only some of the most dangerous drugs to use with alcohol and that most drugs have the potential to be dangerous.

Always speak with a healthcare provider it you’re unsure about mixing medications with alcohol.