Diflucan & Alcohol: Can You Drink With Fluconazole?

Although there are no known interactions between Diflucan and alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking while taking the medication.

What Is Fluconazole (Diflucan)?

Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a medication that treats fungal infections, including yeast infections of the vagina, throat and mouth, lungs and other organs. It also treats some types of meningitis infections. Some patients at risk of developing a yeast infection, such as chemotherapy and radiation patients, may take fluconazole to prevent an infection, as fluconazole works by slowing fungal growth.

Fluconazole Side Effects

The most common side effects of fluconazole include: 

• Headaches
• Nausea 
• Pain in the abdomen 

Some other less common side effects include: 

• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Dizziness 
• Changes in taste 

Side effects of a serious reaction can include:

• Tremors
• Seizures 
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin 

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Fluconazole?

Mixing alcohol and certain medications can have undesirable results. Drinking alcohol while taking some medication can raise the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and stomach upset. Alcohol with other medications can have serious consequences. Severe reactions between alcohol and medications may lead to trouble breathing, internal bleeding and problems with the heart, liver or kidneys.

Is It Safe To Mix Fluconazole and Alcohol?

While there are no know interactions between fluconazole and alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication. Fluconazole causes drug-induced liver injury in some patients. Drinking alcohol can also lead to certain types of liver injury. Mixing alcohol and fluconazole may increase the risk of liver toxicity and injury.

Does Alcohol Make Fluconazole Less Effective?

Alcohol does not change the effectiveness of fluconazole, and no known interactions between fluconazole and alcohol exist.

Does Alcohol Make Yeast Infections Worse?

People who drink alcohol have a higher level of Candida, the organism that causes yeast infections, in their mouth, throat and stomach. Alcohol promotes the growth of Candida and can worsen yeast infections.

How Long After Taking Diflucan Can You Drink Alcohol?

Fluconazole stays in your body for about six days. While there are no know interactions between fluconazole and alcohol, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol for six days after taking fluconazole.

Avoiding Alcohol During Fluconazole Treatment

Avoiding alcohol use during fluconazole treatment can be difficult if someone struggles with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol can be addictive, and professional help and treatment are often needed to stop drinking. 

Alcohol addiction treatment programs like those at The Recovery Village Ridgefield offer several options to aid in the recovery process. Medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and inpatient rehab programs help people with AUD slowly transition to an alcohol-free life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, The Recovery Village Ridgefield can help. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to learn more about medical detox programs and addiction treatment so you can start your journey toward lifelong recovery.