Please help :-( side effects with fluconazole (anti-fungals)

[Watercolours1]

Name changed but regular poster.

Ive been taking a prescription of oral anti-fungals (fluconazole) for almost 1 week, and they have so far been working against the fungal infection. However I’ve had some side effects and stomach discomfort like nausea, diarrhoea, trapped wind, bloating, and cramps that mimic period cramps. This all started on the first day of taking these tablets and hasn’t resolved yet.

It’s uncomfortable but not unbearable and I’m still able to go to work and live normally, but obviously these symptoms are unpleasant and as I still have a significant time left with the course of fluconazole, I was wondering if anyone else had similar symptoms after taking this and had found anything that helped? So far I’ve tried ignoring it, taking painkillers, hot water bottle, eating bland food like I would do with a normal upset stomach/nausea eg plain rice and dry toast, exercising, getting more sleep; but the side affects are still happening

Has anyone else had this with fluconazole?

There is a supplement called Optibac available from pharmacists that replaces the good bacteria in the gut. It works to dispel the symptoms you describe when taking antibiotics - ask the pharmacy if it might help with the fungal treatment… (I’m in the UK)

Thank you! I’ll ask about it at the pharmacy.

Bump

This sounds like fungal ‘die off’ as the Flucanazole does its job. The symptoms will ease off as fungal overgrowth is eradicated and it’s important to take a good quality and high strength pre/probiotic to rebalance and restore gut flora which has been overrun by the fungal infection. Keep sugar intake to a minimum as it contributes to the ‘fermentation’ and excess gas etc. Biocare have an excellent range of probiotics and a helpline to point you in the right direction. I’ve used their products for years (recommended by my doctor over 20 years ago) and they always do the trick for me. Hope you feel better soon!

www.biocare.co.uk/ Should add that I have no interest in promoting biocare other than years of being a satisfied customer! I have a long history of gut problems and am on a course of flucanazole myself at the mo. Unfortunately and as I live in a EU country, Brexit has meant that I can no longer order from them due to new customs laws and charges. There is nothing comparable here in terms of strength and quality so I’m struggling too and can empathize !

Are you gluten or lactose intolerant? As tablets frequently contain either or both.