Aviflu 150mg Capsules

Fluconazole, the active ingredient in Aviflu 150mg Capsules, is an antifungal medication. It functions by inhibiting an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of the fungal cell membrane. This disruption prevents the fungus from forming a complete cell membrane, leading to the cessation of fungal multiplication or the death of the fungal cells.

This medication is specifically active against fungi and does not exhibit efficacy against viruses or bacteria. Aviflu 150mg Capsules should be taken precisely as directed by a healthcare professional, adhering to a consistent schedule. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should not use this medication.

Patients should inform their doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected during treatment. Contraception is advised for at least one week after discontinuing the medication. Common side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea.

These effects are typically temporary; however, if they persist or worsen, medical consultation is recommended.

Dosage

Overdose

• Symptoms of overdose may include feeling or seeing things that are not real (hallucination and paranoid behaviour)
• Contact your doctor immediately in case of overdose, or rush to the nearest hospital

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• It blocks the formation of the cell membrane of the fungus by inhibiting an enzyme
• Thus the fungi stop multiplying or die because of non-formation of complete cell membrane
• It is not effective against virus or bacteria

Use Aviflu 150mg Capsules as directed by your physician or as mentioned on the pack.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Aviflu Capsule during pregnancy?

• Aviflu is unsafe during pregnancy. You should not take Aviflu if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. During pregnancy, it may increase the risk of miscarriage while large doses may cause severe birth defects
• If you are taking Aviflu, then use contraception at least for one week even after stopping the medicine

Breast Feeding

Can I take Aviflu Capsule while breastfeeding?

Aviflu passes into human milk. Breastfeeding can be continued after a single dose; however, if you are taking this medicine repeatedly or in high doses, breastfeeding is not recommended.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Aviflu Capsule?

• You may experience dizziness or fits while taking this medicine
• If you experience any of these, you should not drive or use any tools or machines while taking this medicine

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Aviflu Capsule?

Avoid excess alcohol while taking this medicine, as alcohol may worsen the side effects like dizziness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have liver disease or kidney disease
• You have heart diseases and irregular heart rhythm
• You have abnormal electrolyte levels (potassium, calcium or magnesium) in your blood
• You have severe skin reactions
• You have adrenal insufficiency (condition where the adrenal gland does not produce sufficient steroid hormone)

Contraindications

• You are allergic to Fluconazole or any other ingredient of this medicine
• You are taking medicines like Astemizole, Terfenadine, Cisapride, Pimozide, Quinidine, Erythromycin

Side effects

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Increased liver enzymes
• Skin rash
• Liver damage (loss of appetite, vomiting, yellowing of your skin)

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Serious interaction - Terfenadine, Voriconazole, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Ranolazine, Lomitapide, Donepezil, Pimozide and Quinidine. Never take Fluconazole with these medicines. When used with Fluconazole, these medicines can cause a life-threatening heart rhythm condition (torsades de pointes)
• Medicines used as anaesthetic like Alfentanil, Fentanyl
• Medicines used to treat depression like Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
• Blood thinners like Warfarin
• Medicines for anxiety, like Benzodiazepines (Midazolam, Triazolam)
• Medicines to treat fits like Phenytoin, Carbamazepine
• Medicines for high blood pressure like Nifedipine, Isradipine, Amlodipine, Felodipine and Losartan
• Medicines used for treating ovarian cancer (Olaparib)
• Medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection like Ciclosporin, Everolimus, Sirolimus or Tacrolimus
• Medicines used for treating cancer (Vincristine, Vinblastine)
• Medicines used for reducing high cholesterol level (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, and Fluvastatin)
• Medicines for treating pain and inflammation like Celecoxib, Flurbiprofen, Naproxen, Ibuprofen
• Effect of contraceptive pills might be reduced. Addition of barrier form of contraception is needed
• Medicines for HIV (Saquinavir)
• Medicines to control diabetes like Chlorpropamide, Glibenclamide, Glipizide or Tolbutamide
• Medicines to control asthma (Theophylline)
• Medicines for treating rheumatoid arthritis (Tofacitinib)
• Medicines to treat cystic fibrosis (Ivacaftor)
• Diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide
• Medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats (Amiodarone)

Interactions with food items

This medicine can be taken with or without food.

Storage and disposal

• Do not store above 25°C
• Keep out of the reach of children

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What precautions should I take when using Aviflu Capsule?

• Tell your doctor if you are sexually active and discuss effective contraception methods
• This medicine can make your oral contraceptive pills work less efficiently
• Hence if you are on this medication, then use barrier methods of contraception like condoms

I have cough, cold, flu, can I take Aviflu Capsule?

No, flu mostly occurs due to viruses. This medicine works against fungus and not viruses. Take it only if prescribed by your doctor for the complete duration of treatment.