Fluconazole and Alcohol Interaction: A Medically-Reviewed Guide

Fluconazole and alcohol are not a safe combination. While there is no direct interaction, healthcare professionals strongly advise against consuming alcohol while you are on Fluconazole treatment. Therefore, taking Fluconazole with alcohol can heighten risks and side effects like nausea, dizziness, and stress on the liver, making the infection harder to treat and increasing the risk of yeast infection.

Through this medically reviewed blog, we will provide insights about the risks involved, Fluconazole interactions, and when it is medically safe to drink after the treatment.

ChoicePoint offers online alcohol counseling and personalized alcohol treatment plans with insurance coverage options. Call 844.445.2565 to explore your treatment options. 

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What Is Diflucan (Fluconazole) Used For?

Fluconazole is a prescription-only antifungal medication used to treat yeast or fungal infections. 

1. Vaginal Yeast Infections: It is the most common use. Most commonly, a 200 mg dose is prescribed to treat yeast infections.
2. Oral Thrush: Infection in the mouth or tongue.
3. Esophageal Candidiasis: Fungal infections of the esophagus caused by Candida fungus.
4. Prophylaxis (Fungal Infection Prevention): Used in people with a weakened immune system/

Fluconazole is available in capsule form, 50 mg, 150 mg, or 200 mg, or in syrup form:

• 50 mg / 5 ml Fluconazole syrup
• 200mg / 5ml Fluconazole

Please note: Always follow your doctor’s advice or exact dosage and administration guidelines.

Fluconazole Interactions

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking an Antifungal (Fluconazole)?

Moderate alcohol consumption is not strictly contraindicated while taking Fluconazole. In other words, you can have an occasional drink, but that does not mean it is always a good idea. Fluconazole works by inhibiting an enzyme (cytochrome P450) that fungi need to maintain their cell membranes. As fluconazole breaks the cell membrane of fungi, it inhibits and stops the growth and spread of fungal infections.

But here’s where it gets tricky: the same enzyme system fluconazole targets is also used by your liver to metabolize many substances, such as alcohol. So, if you take Fluconazole while excessively drinking, it puts additional stress on your liver. 

Why Taking Fluconazole with Alcohol is Not Recommended? Fluconazole and Alcohol Interactions

While a single drink may not seem like much, there are a few important considerations, which is why taking Diflucan and alcohol is not recommended:

Risk of Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Some antifungal medications have been associated with potential damage to the liver with long-term use. This is especially true for patients with pre-existing liver or health conditions. Drinking excessive alcohol further increases this risk by putting extra stress on the liver, which can lead to drug-induced or alcohol-induced liver damage..

Added Stress on Liver

Both alcohol and fluconazole are processed through the liver. If both are mixed or taken in large amounts, then it will take longer for the liver to metabolize these substances, leading to the risk of liver strain or toxicity, especially if:

• • You are on long-term fluconazole treatment.
  • You have a liver condition.
  • You have a history of alcohol abuse.
  • You have a habit of excessive drinking.

Negative Impact on the Immune Response

Alcohol may interfere with your immune system if you are receiving treatment for a serious fungal infection. Different studies are highlighting the negative effects of alcohol on the body’s immune system. So, avoiding alcohol will make sure that your body and immune system are focused on healing. 

Amplifying Potential Side Effects

Alcohol can increase yeast infections and intensify Fluconazole side effects, which may make you feel worse. Fluconazole’s side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Rash
• Effect on taste buds
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach discomfort

These side effects are amplified if you drink while taking antifungal medications. 

Effect on Diflucan Effectiveness 

Some data reports that alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of Diflucan and other medications. So, excessive drinking with medications is not recommended.

How Long After Taking Fluconazole Can I Drink Alcohol?

Fluconazole 150 mg Dose

For a single oral dose of 150 mg, the general wait time is 24 to 48 hours before consuming alcohol. This duration gives your body enough time to metabolize the drug and minimize the risk of interaction. 

Fluconazole 200 mg or Higher Dose 

If you are on higher doses of fluconazole, then it is usually recommended to completely avoid alcohol during treatment. If drinking is unavoidable, then wait at least 48–72 hours after your last dose before drinking. To minimize the risks of alcohol and Fluconazole, it is best to wait 6-7 days, as it takes 6-7 days for the body to completely metabolize Fluconazole. 

Limiting Your Alcohol Consumption While On Fluconazole Treatment

Attempting to detox on your own while sick or on antifungals like fluconazole can be risky. This is because quitting alcohol cold turkey can result in alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia

Furthermore, if you are suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), then stopping alcohol cold turkey can lead to severe complications such as:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Delirium tremens (DTs)

Which is why it is recommended to seek professional help when thinking of cutting down on alcohol. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note that this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

ChoicePoint Is Here To Help You Heal!

At ChoicePoint, we understand that quitting alcohol is more than just willpower, it requires a compassionate approach and medical treatments that work. This is why we offer custom alcohol addiction treatments backed by NIDA and ASAM guidelines. Our alcohol detox program includes:

Outpatient Alcohol Detox 

Most flexible outpatient alcohol detox treatment and alternative to rehab. You attend treatment sessions at rehab and continue your daily activities afterward. 

Medical Withdrawal Monitoring For Safe Withdrawal

Our team utilizes result-driven detoxification procedures supported by ASAM guidelines to manage withdrawal safely. We offer continuous check-ins and follow-up treatments to minimize the risk of life-threatening withdrawal. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

We address both alcohol dependence and screen for co-occurring conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety) to support long-term healing and to improve long-term treatment outcomes.

Insurance-Covered Detox

We accept most major insurance providers and handle the paperwork for you. You can verify your insurance online to know the exact cost and coverage. 

Telehealth Services and Addiction Treatments

We provide online, hassle-free medication prescriptions for:

1. Acamprosate 
2. Naltrexone (Pills and Injection)
3. Disulfiram

These medications are FDA-approved to help you quit drinking. Schedule an online appointment online or please call 844.445.2565.

FAQs Related to Alcohol and Fluconazole

Common queries related to mixing of alcohol and fluconazole;

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Fluconazole 150 mg Medicine?

No, drinking alcohol while taking a single 150 mg dose of fluconazole is not recommended. Although a single dose may not cause any significant interactions, as both alcohol and Fluconazole may not have a significant interaction. Still, the side effects of Fluconazole may be amplified due to alcohol.

Can You Drink Alcohol 2 Days After Taking Fluconazole?

It is all right to take a drink or two after 2 days of Fluconazole treatment. However, alcohol should be avoided at all costs. Who recommends that no amount of drinking is safe for you.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Fluconazole 200 mg?

If you are on a daily or high-dose regimen (like 200 mg fluconazole), it’s best to refrain from drinking alcohol completely until your treatment is complete.

How Long Does Fluconazole Stay in Your System?

Fluconazole can stay in your system for up to 5-10 days. Which is why it is recommended to completely stop using alcohol if you are using high-dose Fluconazole. 

Do Detox Drinks For Alcohol Work?

No, a DIY alcohol detox doesn’t work to eliminate alcohol from your system. It is doctor-recommended for medically supervised alcohol detox. 

References

1. National Health Service. (n.d.). Fluconazole: A medicine to treat fungal infections. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluconazole/
2. Drugs.com. (2024, July 9). Fluconazole: Uses, dosage, side effects, warnings.
   https://www.drugs.com/fluconazole.html
3. Mergenhagen, K. A., Wattengel, B. A., Skelly, M. K., Clark, C. M., & Russo, T. A. (2020). Fact versus Fiction: a Review of the Evidence behind Alcohol and Antibiotic Interactions. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 64(3), e02167-19. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.02167-19
4. Sarkar, D., Jung, M. K., & Wang, H. J. (2015). Alcohol and the Immune System. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 37(2), 153–155.