Flukonazol

Additional information

Pharmacokinetics and dosing

A pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers (26 men, 33 women) receiving an oral dose of fluconazole 100 mg showed that women had 36% higher Cmax, 17% lower volume of distribution and 20% shorter half-life than men, after adjusting for total bodyweight. The authors suggest that the observed differences in volume of distribution are likely because of differences in total body water, which generally is higher in men [1]. Similar results were observed in a study in Chinese volunteers (5 men, 5 women) receiving fluconazole 200 mg single dose [2]. A study in HIV-positive patients (93 men, 29 women) observed no effect on patient’s sex on fluconazole pharmacokinetics [3].

Effects

Fluconazole efficacy was compared with nystatin in a randomized study in immunocomprised children with oropharyngeal thrush (in total 182, 5 months-14 years old). No differences in responses between girls and boys were observed (data not shown). Reported side effects were not stratified by sex [4].

Adverse effects

Fluconazole has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatic toxicity, but no obvious relationship to sex or age of the patient has been observed. Caution is recommended if fluconazole is used in patients with liver dysfunction [5].

Reproductive health issues

Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).