What is the proper dosage and treatment regimen for fluconazole (fluconazole) for a fungal infection on the face?

Treatment of Facial Fungal Infection with Fluconazole 150 mg

For a fungal infection on the face, fluconazole 150 mg should be taken once weekly for 2-4 weeks, depending on clinical response. 1, 2

Dosing Regimen for Facial Fungal Infections

• For cutaneous fungal infections including those on the face, fluconazole 150 mg once weekly is the recommended regimen 1
• Treatment duration typically ranges from 2-4 weeks, with an average of 2.6 doses needed for complete resolution 2
• Clinical improvement should be evident after the first or second dose, with continued treatment until complete resolution of symptoms 1

Clinical Considerations

• Fluconazole is highly effective for cutaneous mycoses with clinical cure rates exceeding 90% 3
• The medication achieves excellent penetration into skin tissues, allowing for the convenient once-weekly dosing schedule 3
• Fluconazole has a long half-life (31-37 hours) which supports the once-weekly dosing regimen 3

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Clinical assessment should be performed weekly during treatment to evaluate improvement of symptoms (erythema, scaling, pruritus) 1
• A follow-up evaluation should be conducted 3-4 weeks after completing treatment to confirm complete resolution and rule out relapse 2
• If symptoms persist after 2 doses, continue treatment for up to 4 weekly doses total 4

Special Considerations

• For more extensive or severe infections, treatment may need to be extended to the full 4 doses 4
• If no improvement is seen after 2 doses, consider alternative diagnoses or resistant organisms 5
• For infections caused by non-albicans Candida species or dermatophytes resistant to fluconazole, alternative antifungal agents may be required 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not discontinue treatment prematurely even if symptoms improve quickly, as this may lead to recurrence 2
• Avoid taking with antacids as this may affect absorption (though food intake does not affect absorption) 3
• Remember that fluconazole has drug interactions with several medications including warfarin, oral hypoglycemics, and some anticonvulsants 5