Forcan-50 (Fluconazole)

Forcan-50 general information

What is Forcan-50 used for?

Forcan-50 tablets 50mg are used to treat a variety of superficial and systemic fungal infections in various parts of the body.  These include: candidiasis (thrush) of the mucus membranes such vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections of the vagina due to Candida), Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis (yeast infections of the mouth and oesophagus, also of the skin.  Forcan-50 is also effective for treatment of candidiasis causing urinary tract infections and peritonitis and for systemic candidiasis, like candidaemia (gets into the blood stream and spreads throughout the body), disseminated candidiasis (spread to several organs and tissues), and pneumonia.  These forms of candidiasis can be more serious particularly if the immune system is compromised as in AIDS, transplant or cancer patients.  Forcan-50 is also used to treat cryptococcal meningitis, caused by the soil fungus that can be serious if the immune system is compromised such as in patients with HIV. 

How does Forcan-50 work?

Forcan 50 tablets contain fluconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal drug belonging to the triazole group of antifungals that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections.  Fluconazole in Forcan tablets 50mg is a potent and specific inhibitor of fungal enzymes necessary for the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  Fluconazole in Forcan tablets 50mg weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the infection, including, itching and inflammation. 

What does Forcan-50 contain?

Forcan 50 tablets contain the active ingredient fluconazole 50mg, a broad-spectrum antifungal drug belonging to the triazole group of antifungals that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections.

Treating fungal infections with Forcan-50

Forcan 50 tablets contain fluconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal drug that is used to treat a wide range of superficial and systemic fungal infections, caused by a variety of susceptible fungal species.  Forcan tablets 50mg specifically inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane, which kills the fungus and stops it spreading; relieving the itching, scaling and other more severe symptoms caused by the fungal infection.  Fungal infections that can be treated with Forcan tablets 50mg include, candidiasis (thrush) of the mucus membranes such vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections of the vagina due to Candida), Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis (yeast infections of the mouth and oesophagus, also of the skin.  Forcan-50 is also effective for treatment of candidiasis causing urinary tract infections and peritonitis and for systemic candidiasis, like candidaemia (gets into the blood stream and spreads throughout the body), disseminated candidiasis (spread to several organs and tissues), and pneumonia.  These forms of candidiasis can be more serious particularly if the immune system is compromised as in AIDS, transplant or cancer patients.  Forcan-50 is also used to treat cryptococcal meningitis, caused by the soil fungus that can be serious if the immune system is compromised such as in patients with HIV. 

What are the side effects of Forcan-50?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Forcan-50 include: upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, headache, constipation, dizziness, flushing, tingling sensations.

When should Forcan-50 not be used?

You should not use Forcan-50 if you:

• are allergic to fluconazole or any other azole drug, or any ingredients in Forcan tablets 50mg
• are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have liver disease or a heart condition
• are taking other medication that interacts with Forcan, including, the antiviral rifampicin, rifabutin or zidovudine; terfenadine (at high doses) or astemizole for allergy, cisapride for reflux, the anticonvulsant phenytoin, the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, medicines for diabetes such as glipizide, tolbutamide or glibenclamide, theophylline for asthma, the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine, some benzodiazepines such as midazolam

What medications interact with Forcan-50?

Several medications interact with Forcan-50 and should either not be taken while you are taking Forcan-50 or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause increased side effects: cisapride for reflux; also terfenadine (at high doses) or astemizole for allergy can cause heart problems (QT interval prolongation)
• Drugs that affect Forcan: the antiviral rifampicin, rifabutin or zidovudine; the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide
• Drugs that are affected by Forcan: the anticonvulsant phenytoin, medicines for diabetes such as glipizide, tolbutamide or glibenclamide; theophylline for asthma, immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine, some benzodiazepines such as midazolam

How should Forcan-50 be taken?

You should take your Forcan 50 tablets with a glass of water with or without food usually once a day for several days or months, depending on what you are being treated for, the severity of your infection and your doctor’s recommendations.  You should continue to take your Forcan 50 tablets for as long as recommended by your doctor and always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely. 

How long should you take Forcan-50?

You should continue to take your Forcan 50 tablets for as long as recommended by your doctor and always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely. 

Missed dose of Forcan-50

If you miss a dose of Forcan-50 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Forcan-50 be stored?

You should store your Forcan-50 below 25°C in a cool dry place.