4.1. Therapeutic indications

Fluconazole is indicated in the following fungal infections (see section 5.1).

Fluconazole is indicated in adults for the treatment of:

• Cryptococcal meningitis (see section 4.4).

• Coccidioidomycosis (see section 4.4).

• Invasive candidiasis.

• Mucosal candidiasis (including oropharyngeal candidiasis, oesophageal candidiasis, candiduria and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis).

• Chronic oral atrophic candidiasis (denture sore mouth) if dental hygiene topical treatment are insufficient.

Fluconazole is indicated in adults for the prophylaxis of:

• Relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with high risk of recurrence.

• Relapse of oropharyngeal or oesophageal candidiasis in patients infected with HIV who are at high risk of experiencing relapse.

• Prophylaxis of candidal infections in patients with prolonged neutropenia (such as patients with haematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy or patients receiving Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (see section 5.1)).

Fluconazole is indicated in term newborn infants, infants, toddlers, children and adolescents aged from 0 to 17 years old:

Fluconazole is used for the treatment of mucosal candidiasis (oropharyngeal, oesophageal), invasive candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis and the prophylaxis of candidal infections in immunocompromised patients. Fluconazole can be used as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in children with high risk of reoccurrence (see section 4.4).

Therapy may be instituted before the results of the cultures and other laboratory studies are known; however, once these results become available, anti-infective therapy should be adjusted accordingly.

Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antifungals.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The dose should be based on the nature and severity of the fungal infection. The treatment of infections requiring multiple dosing should be continued until clinical parameters or laboratory results show that the active fungal infection has subsided. An inadequate period of treatment may lead to recurrence of the active infection.

Adults:

Indications

Posology

Duration of treatment

Cryptococcosis

- Treatment of cryptococcal meningitis

Loading dose:

400 mg on Day 1

Subsequent dose:

200 mg to 400 mg once daily

Usually at least 6 to 8 weeks. In life threatening infections the daily dose can be increased to 800 mg

- Maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with high risk of recurrence

200 mg once daily

Indefinitely at a daily dose of 200 mg

Coccidioidomycosis

200 mg to 400 mg once daily

11 months up to 24 months or longer depending on the patient. 800 mg daily may be considered for some infections and especially for meningeal disease

Invasive candidiasis

Loading dose:

800 mg on Day 1

Subsequent dose:

400 mg once daily

In general, the recommended duration of therapy for candidemia is for 2 weeks after first negative blood culture result and resolution of signs and symptoms attributable to candidemia

Treatment of mucosal candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis

Loading dose:

200 mg to 400 mg on Day 1

Subsequent dose:

100 mg to 200 mg once daily

7 to 21 days (until oropharyngeal candidiasis is in remission).

Longer periods may be used in patients with severely compromised immune function

Oesophageal candidiasis

Loading dose:

200 mg to 400 mg on Day 1

Subsequent dose:

100 mg to 200 mg once daily

14 to 30 days (until oesophageal candidiasis is in remission).

Longer periods may be used in patients with severely compromised immune function

Candiduria

200 mg to 400 mg once daily

7 to 21 days. Longer periods may be used in patients with severely compromised immune function.

Chronic atrophic candidiasis

50 mg once daily

14 days

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

50 mg to 100 mg once daily

Up to 28 days. Longer periods depending on both the severity of infection or underlying immune compromisation and infection

Prevention of relapse of mucosal candidiasis in patients infected with HIV who are at high risk of experiencing relapse

Oropharyngeal candidiasis

100 mg to 200 mg once daily or 200 mg daily or 200 mg 3 times per week

An indefinite period for patients with chronic immune suppression

Oesophageal candidiasis

100 mg to 200 mg once daily or 200 mg 3 times per week

An indefinite period for patients with chronic immune suppression

Prophylaxis of candidal infections in patients with prolonged neutropenia

200 mg to 400 mg once daily

Treatment should start several days before the anticipated onset of neutropenia and continue for 7 days after recovery from neutropenia after the neutrophil count rises above 1 000 cells per mm3.

Special populations

Elderly

Dosage should be adjusted based on the renal function (see 'Renal impairment').

Renal impairment

Fluconazole is predominantly excreted in the urine as unchanged active substance. No adjustments in single dose therapy are necessary. In patients (including paediatric population) with impaired renal function who will receive multiple doses of fluconazole, an initial dose of 50 mg to 400 mg should be given based on the recommended daily dose for the indication. After this initial loading dose, the daily dose (according to indication) should be based on the following table:

Creatinine clearance (ml/min)

Percentage of recommended dose

> 50

100%

≤ 50 (no dialysis)

50%

Haemodialysis

100% after each dialysis

Patients on haemodialysis should receive 100% of the recommended dose after each dialysis; on non-dialysis days, patients should receive a reduced dose according to their creatinine clearance.

Hepatic impairment

Limited data are available in patients with hepatic impairment, therefore fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with liver dysfunction (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Paediatric population:

A maximum dose of 400 mg daily should not be exceeded in paediatric population.

As with similar infections in adults, the duration of treatment is based on the clinical and mycological response. Fluconazole is administered as a single daily dose.

For paediatric patients with impaired renal function, see dosing in “Renal impairment”. The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole has not been studied in paediatric population with renal insufficiency (for 'term newborn infants' who often exhibit primarily renal immaturity please see below).

Infants, toddlers and children (from 28 days to 11 years old):

Indication

Posology

Recommendations

Mucosal candidiasis

Initial dose: 6 mg/kg

Subsequent dose: 3 mg/kg once daily

Initial dose may be used on the first day to achieve steady state levels more rapidly

Invasive candidiasis

Cryptococcal meningitis

Dose: 6 to 12 mg/kg once daily

Depending on the severity of the disease

Maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of cryptococcal meningitis in children with high risk of recurrence

Dose: 6 mg/kg once daily

Depending on the severity of the disease

Prophylaxis of Candida in immunocompromised patients

Dose: 3 to 12 mg/kg once daily

Depending on the extent and duration of the induced neutropenia (see Adults posology)

Adolescents (from 12 to 17 years old):

Depending on the weight and pubertal development, the prescriber would need to assess which posology (adults or children) is the most appropriate. Clinical data indicate that children have higher fluconazole clearance than observed for adults. A dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg in adults corresponds to a 3, 6 and 12 mg/kg dose in children to obtain a comparable systemic exposure.

Term newborn infants (0 to 27 days):

Neonates excrete fluconazole slowly.

There are few pharmacokinetic data to support this posology in term newborn infants (see section 5.2).

Age group

Posology

Recommendations

Term newborn infants (0 to 14 days)

The same mg/kg dose as for infants, toddlers and children should be given every 72 hours

A maximum dose of 12 mg/kg every 72 hours should not be exceeded

Term newborn infants (from 15 to 27 days)

The same mg/kg dose as for infants, toddlers and children should be given every 48 hours

A maximum dose of 12 mg/kg every 48 hours should not be exceeded

Method of administration

Intravenous use

Fluconazole in general may be administered either orally or by intravenous infusion, the route being dependent on the clinical state of the patient. On transferring from the intravenous to the oral route, or vice versa, there is no need to change the daily dose. The physician should prescribe the most appropriate pharmaceutical form and strength according to age, weight and dose.

Intravenous infusion should be administered at a rate not exceeding 10 ml/minute. Fluconazole is formulated in sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for infusion, each 200 mg (100 ml bottle) containing 15 mmol each of Na+ and Cl-. Because Fluconazole is available as a dilute sodium chloride solution, in patients requiring sodium or fluid restriction, consideration should be given to the rate of fluid administration.

For instructions on the handling of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to related azole substances, or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Co-administration of terfenadine is contraindicated in patients receiving Fluconazole at multiple doses of 400 mg per day or higher based upon results of a multiple dose interaction study. Co-administration of other medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval and which are metabolised via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, such as cisapride, astemizole, pimozide, quinidine and erythromycin are contraindicated in patients receiving fluconazole (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Tinea capitis

Fluconazole has been studied for treatment of tinea capitis in children. It was shown not to be superior to griseofulvin and the overall success rate was less than 20%. Therefore, Fluconazole should not be used for tinea capitis.

Cryptococcosis

The evidence for efficacy of fluconazole in the treatment of cryptococcosis of other sites (e.g. pulmonary and cutaneous cryptococcosis) is limited, which prevents dosing recommendations.

Deep endemic mycoses

The evidence for efficacy of fluconazole in the treatment of other forms of endemic mycoses such as paracoccidioidomycosis, lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis and histoplasmosis is limited, which prevents specific dosing recommendations.

Renal system

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with renal dysfunction (see section 4.2).

Adrenal insufficiency

Ketoconazole is known to cause adrenal insufficiency, and this could also, although rarely seen, be applicable to fluconazole. Adrenal insufficiency relating to concomitant treatment with prednisone is described in the section 4.5, 'The effects of fluconazole on other medicinal products'.

Hepatobiliary system

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with liver dysfunction.

Fluconazole has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatic toxicity including fatalities, primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions. In cases of fluconazole associated hepatotoxicity, no obvious relationship to total daily dose, duration of therapy, sex or age of patient has been observed. Fluconazole hepatotoxicity has usually been reversible on discontinuation of therapy.

Patients who develop abnormal liver function tests during fluconazole therapy must be monitored closely for the development of more serious hepatic injury.

The patient should be informed of suggestive symptoms of serious hepatic effects (important asthenia, anorexia, persistent nausea, vomiting and jaundice). Treatment with fluconazole should be immediately discontinued and the patient should consult a physician.

Cardiovascular system

Some azoles, including fluconazole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT-interval on the electrocardiogram. Fluconazole causes QT prolongation via the inhibition of Rectifier Potassium Channel current (Ikr). The QT prolongation caused by other medicinal products (such as amiodarone) may be amplified via the inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. During post-marketing surveillance there have been very rare cases of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes in patients taking fluconazole. These reports included seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities and concomitant treatment that may have been contributory.

Patients with hypokalemia and advanced cardiac failure are at an increased risk for the occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes.

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients with these potentially pro-arrhythmic conditions. Co-administration of other medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval and which are metabolised via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 are contraindicated (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

Halofantrine

Halofantrine has been shown to prolong QTc interval at the recommended therapeutic dose and is a substrate of CYP3A4. The concomitant use of fluconazole and halofantrine is therefore not recommended (see section 4.5).

Dermatological reactions

Patients have rarely developed exfoliative cutaneous reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis during treatment with fluconazole. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has been reported. AIDS-patients are more prone to the development of severe cutaneous reactions to many medicinal products. If a rash, which is considered attributable to fluconazole, develops in a patient treated for a superficial fungal infection, further therapy with this medicinal product should be discontinued. If patients with invasive/systemic fungal infections develop rashes, they should be monitored closely and fluconazole discontinued if bullous lesions or erythema multiforme develop.

Hypersensitivity

In rare cases anaphylaxis has been reported (see section 4.3).

Candidiasis

Studies have shown an increasing prevalence of infections with Candida species other than C. albicans. These are often inherently resistant (e.g. C. krusei and C. auris) or show reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (C. glabrata). Such infections may require alternative antifungal therapy secondary to treatment failure. Therefore, prescribers are advised to take into account the prevalence of resistance in various Candida species to fluconazole.

Cytochrome P450

Fluconazole is a potent CYP2C9 inhibitor and a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Fluconazole is also a strong inhibitor of CYP2C19. Fluconazole treated patients who are concomitantly treated with medicinal products with a narrow therapeutic window metabolised through CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, should be monitored (see section 4.5).

Terfenadine

The co-administration of fluconazole at doses lower than 400 mg per day with terfenadine should be carefully monitored (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

Excipients

This medicinal product contains 3.54 mg sodium per ml of solution. An infusion bottle containing 50 ml, 100 ml or 200 ml of solution contains 177 mg, 354 mg or 709 mg of sodium respectively, equivalent to 8.9%, 17.7% or 35.5% respectively of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Concomitant use of the following other medicinal products is contraindicated:

- Cisapride:

There have been reports of cardiac events including torsades de pointes in patients to whom fluconazole and cisapride were co-administered. A controlled study found that concomitant fluconazole 200 mg once daily and cisapride 20 mg four times a day, yielded a significant increase in cisapride plasma levels and prolongation of QTc-interval. Concomitant treatment with fluconazole and cisapride is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

- Terfenadine:

Because of the occurrence of serious cardiac dysrhythmias secondary to prolongation of the QTc interval in patients receiving azole anti-fungals in conjunction with terfenadine, interaction studies have been performed. One study at a 200 mg daily dose of fluconazole failed to demonstrate a prolongation of the QTc interval. Another study at a 400 mg and 800 mg daily dose of fluconazole demonstrated that fluconazole taken in doses of 400 mg per day or greater significantly increases plasma levels of terfenadine when taken concomitantly. The combined use of fluconazole at doses of 400 mg or greater with terfenadine is contraindicated (see section 4.3). The co-administration of fluconazole at doses lower than 400 mg per day with terfenadine, should be carefully monitored.

- Astemizole:

Concomitant administration of fluconazole with astemizole may decrease the clearance of astemizole. Resulting increased plasma concentrations of astemizole can lead to QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes. Co-administration of fluconazole and astemizole is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

- Pimozide:

Although not studied in vitro or in vivo, concomitant administration of fluconazole with pimozide may result in inhibition of pimozide metabolism. Increased pimozide plasma concentrations can lead to QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes. Co-administration of fluconazole and pimozide is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

- Quinidine:

Although not studied in vitro or in vivo, concomitant administration of fluconazole with quinidine may result in inhibition of quinidine metabolism. Use of quinidine has been associated with QT prolongation and rare occurrences of torsades de pointes. Co-administration of fluconazole and quinidine is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

- Erythromycin:

Concomitant use of fluconazole and erythromycin has the potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity (prolonged QT interval, torsades de pointes) and consequently sudden heart death. Co-administration of fluconazole and erythromycin is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Concomitant use of the following other medicinal products cannot be recommended:

- Halofantrine:

Fluconazole can increase halofantrine plasma concentration due to an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4. Concomitant use of fluconazole and halofantrine has the potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity (prolonged QT interval, torsades de pointes) and consequently sudden heart death. This combination should be avoided (see section 4.4).

Concomitant use that should be used with caution:

• Amiodarone:

Concomitant administration of fluconazole with amiodarone may increase QT prolongation. Therefore, caution should be taken when both drugs are combined, notably with high dose fluconazole (800 mg).

Concomitant use of the following other medicinal products lead to precautions and dose adjustments:

The effect of other medicinal products on fluconazole

- Hydrochlorothiazide:

In a pharmacokinetic interaction study, co-administration of multiple-dose hydrochlorothiazide to healthy volunteers receiving fluconazole increased plasma concentration of fluconazole by 40 %. An effect of this magnitude should not necessitate a change in the fluconazole dose regimen in subjects receiving concomitant diuretics.

- Rifampicin:

Concomitant administration of fluconazole and rifampicin resulted in a 25 % decrease in the AUC and a 20 % shorter half-life of fluconazole. In patients receiving concomitant rifampicin, an increase of the fluconazole dose should be considered.

Interaction studies have shown that when oral fluconazole is co-administered with food, cimetidine, antacids or following total body irradiation for bone marrow transplantation, no clinically significant impairment of fluconazole absorption occurs.

The effects of fluconazole on other medicinal products

Fluconazole is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 2C9 and a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. Fluconazole is also a strong inhibitor of the isoenzyme CYP2C19. In addition to the observed/documented interactions mentioned below, there is a risk of increased plasma concentration of other compounds metabolised by CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 co-administered with fluconazole. Therefore caution should be exercised when using these combinations and the patients should be carefully monitored. The enzyme inhibiting effect of fluconazole persists 4-5 days after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment due to the long half-life of fluconazole (see section 4.3).

- Abrocitinib

Fluconazole (inhibitor of CYP2C19, 2C9, 3A4) increased exposure of abrocitinib active moiety by 155 %. If co-administered with fluconazole, adjust the dose of abrocitinib as instructed in the abrocitinib prescribing information.

- Alfentanil:

During concomitant treatment with fluconazole (400 mg) and intravenous alfentanil (20 µg/kg) in healthy volunteers the alfentanil AUC10 increased 2-fold, probably through inhibition of CYP3A4. Dose adjustment of alfentanil may be necessary.

- Amitriptyline, nortriptyline:

Fluconazole increases the effect of amitriptyline and nortriptyline. 5- nortriptyline and/or S-amitriptyline may be measured at initiation of the combination therapy and after one week. Dosage of amitriptyline/nortriptyline should be adjusted, if necessary.

- Amphotericin B:

Concurrent administration of fluconazole and amphotericin B in infected normal and immunosuppressed mice showed the following results: a small additive antifungal effect in systemic infection with C. albicans, no interaction in intracranial infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, and antagonism of the two medicinal products in systemic infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. The clinical significance of results obtained in these studies is unknown.

- Anticoagulants:

In post-marketing experience, as with other azole antifungals, bleeding events (bruising, epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, haematuria, and melena) have been reported, in association with increases in prothrombin time in patients receiving fluconazole concurrently with warfarin. During concomitant treatment with fluconazole and warfarin the prothrombin time was prolonged up to 2-fold, probably due to an inhibition of the warfarin metabolism through CYP2C9. In patients receiving coumarin-type or indanedione anticoagulants concurrently with fluconazole the prothrombin time should be carefully monitored. Dose adjustment of the anticoagulant may be necessary.

- Benzodiazepines (short-acting i.e midazolam, triazolam):

Following oral administration of midazolam, fluconazole resulted in substantial increases in midazolam concentrations and psychomotor effects. Concomitant intake of fluconazole 200 mg and midazolam 7.5 mg orally increased the midazolam AUC and half-life 3.7-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively.

Fluconazole 200 mg daily given concurrently with triazolam 0.25 mg orally increased the triazolam AUC and half-life 4.4-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. Potentiated and prolonged effects of triazolam have been observed at concomitant treatment with fluconazole. If concomitant benzodiazepine therapy is necessary in patients being treated with fluconazole, consideration should be given to decreasing the benzodiazepine dose, and the patients should be appropriately monitored.

- Carbamazepine:

Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of carbamazepine and an increase in serum carbamazepine of 30% has been observed. There is a risk of developing carbamazepine toxicity. Dosage adjustment of carbamazepine may be necessary depending on concentration measurements/effect.

- Calcium channel blockers:

Certain calcium channel antagonists (nifedipine, isradipine, amlodipine, verapamil and felodipine) are metabolised by CYP3A4. Fluconazole has the potential to increase the systemic exposure of the calcium channel antagonists. Frequent monitoring for adverse events is recommended.

- Celecoxib:

During concomitant treatment with fluconazole (200 mg daily) and celecoxib (200 mg), the celecoxib Cmax and AUC increased by 68 % and 134 % respectively. Half of the celecoxib dose may be necessary when combined with fluconazole.

- Cyclophosphamide:

Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide and fluconazole results in an increase in serum bilirubin and serum creatinine. The combination may be used while taking increased consideration to the risk of increased serum bilirubin and serum creatinine.

- Fentanyl:

One fatal case of fentanyl intoxication due to possible fentanyl fluconazole interaction was reported. Furthermore, it was shown in healthy volunteers that fluconazole delayed the elimination of fentanyl significantly. Elevated fentanyl concentration may lead to respiratory depression. Patients should be monitored closely for the potential risk of respiratory depression. Dosage adjustments of fentanyl may be necessary.

- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors:

The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis increases (dose dependent) when fluconazole is co-administered with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors metabolised through CYP3A4, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, or through CYP2C9, such as fluvastatin (decreased hepatic metabolism of the statin). If concomitant therapy is necessary, the patient should be observed for symptoms of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis and creatine kinase should be monitored. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be discontinued if a marked increase in creatine kinase is observed or myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected. Lower doses of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may be necessary as instructed in the statins prescribing information.

• Ibrutinib:

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole increase plasma ibrutinib concentrations and may increase risk of toxicity. If the combination cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of ibrutinib to 280 mg once daily (two capsules) for the duration of the inhibitor use and provide close clinical monitoring.

• Ivacaftor (alone or combined with drugs in the same therapeutic class):

Co-administration with ivacaftor, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator, increased ivacaftor exposure by 3-fold and hydroxymethyl-ivacaftor (M1) exposure by 1.9-fold. A reduction of the ivacaftor (alone or combined) dose is necessary as instructed in the ivacaftor (alone or combined) prescribing information.

• Immunosuppressors (i.e. ciclosporin, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus):

- Ciclosporin:

Fluconazole significantly increases the concentration and AUC of ciclosporin. During concomitant treatment with fluconazole 200 mg daily and ciclosporin (2.7 mg/kg/day) there was a 1.8-fold increase in ciclosporin AUC. This combination may be used by reducing the dose of ciclosporin depending on ciclosporin concentration.

- Everolimus:

Although not studied in vivo or in vitro, fluconazole may increase serum concentrations of everolimus through inhibition of CYP3A4.

- Sirolimus:

Fluconazole increases plasma concentrations of sirolimus presumably by inhibiting the metabolism of sirolimus via CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. This combination may be used with a dosage adjustment of sirolimus depending on the effect/concentration measurements.

- Tacrolimus:

Fluconazole may increase the serum concentrations of orally administered tacrolimus up to 5 times due to inhibition of tacrolimus metabolism through CYP3A4 in the intestines. No significant pharmacokinetic changes have been observed when tacrolimus is given intravenously. Increased tacrolimus levels have been associated with nephrotoxicity. Dose of orally administered tacrolimus should be decreased depending on tacrolimus concentration.

• Losartan:

Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of losartan to its active metabolite (E-3174), which is responsible for most of the angiotensin II receptor antagonism which occurs during treatment with losartan. Patients should have their blood pressure monitored continuously.

• Lurasidone:

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole may increase lurasidone plasma concentrations. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of lurasidone as instructed in the lurasidone prescribing information.

• Methadone:

Fluconazole may enhance the serum concentration of methadone. Dosage adjustment of methadone may be necessary.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

The Cmax and AUC of flurbiprofen was increased by 23 % and 81 %, respectively, when co-administered with fluconazole compared to administration of flurbiprofen alone. Similarly, the Cmax and AUC of the pharmacologically active isomer [S-(+)-ibuprofen] was increased by 15 % and 82 %, respectively, when fluconazole was co-administered with racemic ibuprofen (400 mg) compared to administration of racemic ibuprofen alone.

Although not specifically studied, fluconazole has the potential to increase the systemic exposure of other NSAIDs that are metabolised by CYP2C9 (e.g. naproxen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, diclofenac). Frequent monitoring for adverse events and toxicity related to NSAIDs is recommended. Adjustment of dose of NSAIDs may be needed.

• Olaparip:

Moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as fluconazole increase olaparib plasma concentrations; concomitant use is not recommended. If the combination cannot be avoided, limit the dose of olaparib to 200 mg twice daily.

• Phenytoin:

Fluconazole inhibits the hepatic metabolism of phenytoin. Concomitant repeated administration of 200 mg fluconazole and 250 mg phenytoin intravenously, caused an increase of the phenytoin AUC24 by 75% and Cmin by 128%. With co-administration, serum phenytoin concentration levels should be monitored in order to avoid phenytoin toxicity.

• Prednisone:

There was a case-report that a liver-transplanted patient treated with prednisone developed acute adrenal cortex insufficiency when a three-month therapy with fluconazole was discontinued. The discontinuation of fluconazole presumably caused an enhanced CYP3A4 activity, which led to increased metabolism of prednisone. Patients on long-term treatment with fluconazole and prednisone should be carefully monitored for adrenal cortex insufficiency when fluconazole is discontinued.

• Rifabutin:

Fluconazole increases serum concentrations of rifabutin, leading to increase in the AUC of rifabutin up to 80 %. There have been reports of uveitis in patients to whom fluconazole and rifabutin were co-administered. In combination therapy, symptoms of rifabutin toxicity should be taken into consideration.

• Saquinavir:

Fluconazole increases the AUC and Cmax of saquinavir by approximately 50% and 55%, respectively, due to inhibition of saquinavir's hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 and inhibition of P-glycoprotein. Interaction with saquinavir/ritonavir has not been studied and might be more marked. Dose adjustment of saquinavir may be necessary.

• Sulfonylureas

Fluconazole has been shown to prolong the serum half-life of concomitantly administered oral sulfonylureas (e.g., chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, tolbutamide) in healthy volunteers. Frequent monitoring of blood glucose and appropriate reduction of sulfonylurea dose is recommended during co-administration.

• Theophylline:

In a placebo controlled interaction study, the administration of fluconazole 200 mg for 14 days resulted in an 18% decrease in the mean plasma clearance rate of theophylline. Patients who are receiving high dose theophylline or who are otherwise at increased risk for theophylline toxicity should be observed for signs of theophylline toxicity while receiving fluconazole. Therapy should be modified if signs of toxicity develop.

• Tofacitinib

Exposure of tofacitinib is increased when tofacitinib is co-administered with medications that result in both moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 and strong inhibition of CYP2C19 (e.g., fluconazole). Therefore, it is recommended to reduce tofacitinib dose to 5 mg once daily when it is combined with these drugs.

• Tolvaptan

Exposure to tolvaptan is significantly increased (200 % in AUC; 80 % in Cmax) when tolvaptan, a CYP3A4 substrate, is co-administered with fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, with risk of significant increase in adverse reactions particularly significant diuresis, dehydration and acute renal failure. In case of concomitant use, the tolvaptan dose should be reduced as instructed in the tolvaptan prescribing information and the patient should be frequently monitored for any adverse reactions associated with tolvaptan.

• Vinca alkaloids

Although not studied, fluconazole may increase the plasma levels of the vinca alkaloids (e.g. vincristine and vinblastine) and lead to neurotoxicity, which is possibly due to an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4.

• Vitamin A

Based on a case-report in one patient receiving combination therapy with all-trans-retinoid acid (an acid form of vitamin A) and fluconazole, CNS related undesirable effects have developed in the form of pseudotumor cerebri, which disappeared after discontinuation of fluconazole treatment. This combination may be used but the incidence of CNS related undesirable effects should be borne in mind.

• Voriconazole (CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor):

Co-administration of oral voriconazole (400 mg Q12h for 1 day, then 200 mg Q12h for 2.5 days) and oral fluconazole (400 mg on day 1, then 200 mg Q24h for 4 days) to 8 healthy male subjects resulted in an increase in Cmax and AUC of voriconazole by an average of 57 % (90 % CI: 20 %, 107 %) and 79 % (90 % CI: 40 %, 128 %), respectively. The reduced dose and/or frequency of voriconazole and fluconazole that would eliminate this effect have not been established. Monitoring for voriconazole associated adverse events is recommended if voriconazole is used sequentially after fluconazole.

• Zidovudine:

Fluconazole increases Cmax and AUC of zidovudine by 84 % and 74 %, respectively, due to an approx. 45 % decrease in oral zidovudine clearance. The half-life of zidovudine was likewise prolonged by approximately 128 % following combination therapy with fluconazole. Patients receiving this combination should be monitored for the development of zidovudine-related adverse reactions. Dose reduction of zidovudine may be considered.

• Azithromycin:

An open-label, randomized, three-way crossover study in 18 healthy subjects assessed the effect of a single 1200 mg oral dose of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of a single 800 mg oral dose of fluconazole as well as the effects of fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between fluconazole and azithromycin.

• Oral contraceptives:

Two pharmacokinetic studies with a combined oral contraceptive have been performed using multiple doses of fluconazole. There were no relevant effects on hormone level in the 50 mg fluconazole study, while at 200 mg daily, the AUCs of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel were increased by 40 % and 24 %, respectively. Thus, multiple dose use of fluconazole at these doses is unlikely to have an effect on the efficacy of the combined oral contraceptive.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential

Before initiating treatment, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.

After single dose treatment, a washout period of 1 week (corresponding to 5 – 6 half-lives) is recommended before becoming pregnant (see section 5.2).

For longer courses of treatment, contraception may be considered, as appropriate, in women of childbearing potential throughout the treatment period and for 1 week after the final dose.

Pregnancy

Observational studies suggest an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in women treated with fluconazole during the first and/ or second trimester compared to women not treated with fluconazole or treated with topical azoles during the same period.

Data from several thousand pregnant women treated with a cumulative dose of ≤ 150 mg of fluconazole, administered in the first trimester, show no increase in the overall risk of malformations in the foetus. In one large observational cohort study, first trimester exposure to oral fluconazole was associated with a small increased risk of musculoskeletal malformations, corresponding to approximately 1 additional case per 1000 women treated with cumulative doses ≤ 450 mg compared with women treated with topical azoles and to approximately 4 additional cases per 1000 women treated with cumulative doses over 450 mg. The adjusted relative risk was 1.29 (95 % CI 1.05 to 1.58) for 150 mg oral fluconazole and 1.98 (95 % CI 1.23 to 3.17) for doses over 450 mg fluconazole.

Available epidemiological studies on cardiac malformations with use of fluconazole during pregnancy provide inconsistent results. However, a meta-analysis of 5 observational studies including several thousand pregnant women exposed to fluconazole during the first trimester finds a 1.8 – 2 fold increased risk of cardiac mal-formations when compared to no fluconazole use and/or topical azoles use.

Case reports describe a pattern of birth defects among infants whose mothers received high-dose (400 to 800 mg/day) fluconazole during pregnancy for 3 months or more, in the treatment of coccidioidomycosis. The birth defects seen in these infants include brachycephaly, ears dysplasia, giant anterior fontanelles, femoral bowing and radio-humeral synostosis. A causal relationship between fluconazole use and these birth defects is uncertain.

Fluconazole in standard doses and short-term treatments should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

Fluconazole in high dose and/or in prolonged regimens should not be used during pregnancy except for potentially life-threatening infections.

Breast-feeding

Fluconazole passes into breast milk to reach concentrations similar to those in plasma (see section 5.2). Breast-feeding may be maintained after a single use of 150 mg fluconazole. Breast-feeding is not recommended after repeated use or after high dose of fluconazole.

The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for fluconazole and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from this medicinal product or from the underlying maternal condition.

Fertility

Fluconazole did not affect the fertility of male or female rats (see section 5.3)

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies have been performed on the effects of Fluconazole on the ability to drive or use machines. Patients should be warned about the potential for dizziness or seizures (see section 4.8) while taking Fluconazole and should be advised not to drive or operate machines if any of these symptoms occur.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of safety profile:

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has been reported in association with fluconazole treatment (see section 4.4).

The most frequently (>1/10) reported adverse reactions are headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased and rash.

The following adverse reactions have been observed and reported during treatment with fluconazole with the following frequencies:

Very common (≥1/10);

Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Very rare (<1/10,000)

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

System Organ Class

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Anaemia

Agranulocytosis, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia

Immune system disorders

Anaphylaxis

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Decreased appetite

Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypokalaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Somnolence, insomnia

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Seizures, paraesthesia, dizziness, taste perversion

Tremor

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Vertigo

Cardiac disorders

Torsades de pointes (see section 4.4), QT prolongation (see section 4.4)

Gastrointestinal disorders

Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea,

Constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, dry mouth

Hepato-biliary disorders

Alanine aminotransferase increased (see section 4.4), aspartate aminotransferase increased (see section 4.4), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (see section 4.4)

Cholestasis (see section 4.4), jaundice (see section 4.4), bilirubin increased (see section 4.4)

Hepatic failure (see section 4.4), hepatocellular necrosis (see section 4.4), hepatitis (see section 4.4), hepatocellular damage (see section 4.4)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash (see section 4.4)

Drug eruption* (see section 4.4), urticaria (see section 4.4), pruritus, increased sweating

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (see section 4.4), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (see section 4.4), acute generalised exanthematous- pustulosis (see section 4.4), exfoliative dermatitis, angioedema, face oedema, alopecia

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Myalgia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Fatigue, malaise, asthenia, fever

*including Fixed Drug Eruption

Paediatric population

The pattern and incidence of adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities recorded during paediatric clinical trials are comparable to those seen in adults.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

There have been reports of overdose with fluconazole and hallucination and paranoid behaviour have been concomitantly reported.

Treatment

In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment (with supportive measures and gastric lavage if necessary) may be adequate.

Fluconazole is largely excreted in the urine; forced volume diuresis would probably increase elimination rate. A 3-hour haemodialysis session decreases plasma levels by approximately 50 %.