Can you take Diflucan while on antibiotics?(+5 classes)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the combined use of Diflucan with antibiotics, we will also discuss the antibiotics that are safe to be taken with Diflucan and the also the antibiotics that should never be used in combination with Diflucan.
Can you take Diflucan while on antibiotics?
Yes, you can take Diflucan while on antibiotics. However, the decision to take Diflucan while on antibiotics should be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Diflucan is safe to be used with the majority of antibiotics, however, there are also a few exceptions where it may interact with some antibiotics, and in such cases, their concurrent use may require careful consideration.
Diflucan (fluconazole) is a medication that works by suppressing the growth of fungi and is useful in managing fungal infections. Sometimes it is combined with other medications including antibiotics where there is a concurrent need to address both bacterial and fungal infections.
Which antibiotics are safe to be taken with Diflucan?
The safety of combining Diflucan with antibiotics may depend on the specific antibiotics involved, and the individual’s health status. However, research studies indicate that the following antibiotics can be safely combined with Diflucan:
Tetracyclines
Diflucan is compatible with tetracyclines like doxycycline and minocycline, making it possible to combine them for the treatment of Candida infections. This approach is effective and minimizes the impact on the patient, especially at lower concentrations. By combining these drugs, doctors can tailor therapy and improve the overall management of Candida-related issues (2).
Sulphonamides
Various research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of combining Diflucan with sulphonamide antibiotics. This combination has exhibited potent antifungal activity, leading to a significant reduction in Candida infections. Compared to the placebo, infected organisms showed an approximate 50% decrease in Candida levels (4).
Cephalosporins
Third and fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotics such as Ceftazidime can be safely combined with Diflucan. This combination is effective for the prevention of infections that may occur during joint surgery. The effectiveness of this combination relies on the susceptibility of the specific microorganism causing the infection. This synergistic approach aims to enhance therapeutic outcomes, tailoring the treatment to the microbial sensitivity profile for optimal patient care (3).
Diflucan can also be combined with other antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones with a lower risk of QT prolongation like ofloxacin and nitrofuran antibiotics like nitrofurantoin. However, it is crucial to emphasize that these combinations should be supervised by professional healthcare providers.
What antibiotics should be avoided with Diflucan?
Diflucan may interact with certain antibiotics, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is generally advisable to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before combining Diflucan with these antibiotics.
Beta lactams
Some beta-lactam antibiotics, including first-generation cephalosporins and certain penicillins like nafcillin and methicillin, have the potential to counteract the antifungal activity of fluconazole. This interaction may impact the effectiveness of fluconazole in treating fungal infections. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before combining these medications to ensure optimal treatment outcomes (5).
Fluoroquinolones
Caution should be taken when considering the combined use of Diflucan and fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. The combination of these medications may increase the risk of prolonging the QT interval, which is associated with an elevated risk of potentially serious cardiac effects, including arrhythmias (6).
Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before combining these medications to assess individual health conditions, potential interactions, and the overall risk-benefit profile. Any decision regarding concurrent use should be made under the guidance of a qualified medical professional to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Based on my expertise as a pharmacist, I can affirm that Diflucan is often used in clinical settings alongside antibiotics to address concurrent bacterial and fungal infections. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and avoid combining these medications without consulting a healthcare provider.
Before initiating any combined medication regimen, patients should seek guidance from their healthcare provider or pharmacist. Engaging in discussions about potential interactions and obtaining personalized advice is essential for ensuring safe and effective treatment.
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References
1.-
Gu W, Yu Q, Yu C, Sun S. In vivo activity of fluconazole/tetracycline combinations in Galleria mellonella with resistant Candida albicans infection. J Glob Antimicrob Resist. 2018 Jun;13:74-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2017.11.011. Epub 2017 Nov 27. PMID: 29191612. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29191612/
2.-
Martínez-Moreno J, Merino V, Nácher A, Rodrigo JL, Bonet Yuste BB, Merino-Sanjuán M. Bioactivity of Ceftazidime and Fluconazole Included in Polymethyl Methacrylate Bone Cement for Use in Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2017 Oct;32(10):3126-3133.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2017.04.057. Epub 2017 May 4. PMID: 28690040. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28690040/
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Eldesouky HE, Mayhoub A, Hazbun TR, Seleem MN. Reversal of Azole Resistance in Candida albicans by Sulfa Antibacterial Drugs. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 Feb 23;62(3):e00701-17. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00701-17. PMID: 29263071; PMCID: PMC5826110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29263071/
4.-
Morgan A Wambaugh, Steven T Denham, Magali Ayala, Brianna Brammer, Miekan A Stonhill, Jessica CS Brown (2020) Synergistic and antagonistic drug interactions in the treatment of systemic fungal infections eLife 9:e54160 https://doi.org/ https://elifesciences.org/articles/54160
5.-
Berger FA, Monadian N, de Groot NMS, Santbergen B, van der Sijs H, Becker ML, Broers AEC, van Gelder T, van den Bemt PMLA. QTc prolongation during ciprofloxacin and fluconazole combination therapy: prevalence and associated risk factors. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Feb;84(2):369-378. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13457. Epub 2017 Dec 6. PMID: 29057492; PMCID: PMC5777440. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29057492/
