From the Guidelines
For a urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Candida albicans, the treatment duration with Diflucan (fluconazole) is 2 weeks, with a recommended dosage of 200 mg (3 mg/kg) daily. This recommendation is based on the clinical practice guideline for the management of candidiasis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. The guideline provides a strong recommendation with moderate-quality evidence for fluconazole-susceptible organisms, which is applicable to Candida albicans.
Key Considerations
- The treatment duration is uniform for fluconazole-susceptible organisms, regardless of the severity of the infection.
- It is essential to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve before finishing, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
- The recommended dosage of 200 mg (3 mg/kg) daily is for oral administration.
Additional Recommendations
- Removal of an indwelling bladder catheter, if feasible, is strongly recommended to prevent further complications 1.
- Adequate hydration during treatment helps flush the urinary system and may aid in the recovery process.
- If symptoms persist after treatment, follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary as resistant strains may require alternative antifungal medications or a longer treatment course.
From the Research
Treatment Duration for UTI Caused by Candida albicans with Diflucan (Fluconazole)
- The treatment duration for a urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Candida albicans with Diflucan (fluconazole) is at least four days 2.
- A study suggests that fluconazole 200-mg loading dose followed by 100 mg/d for at least four days appears to be the most appropriate dose for the treatment of symptomatic candidal UTI in patients without systemic fungal infection or severe renal failure 2.
- Another study found that low-dose fluconazole (100 mg/day) for 14 days was effective in treating funguria, with funguria disappearing in all study group patients within a week 3.
- The choice of antifungal agent and treatment duration may depend on the clinical status of the patient, the site of infection, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the agent 4.
- Fluconazole is preferred for the treatment of Candida UTIs due to its safety, achievement of high concentrations in the urine, and availability in both an oral and intravenous formulation 4.