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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Fluconazole Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Fluconazole is generally well tolerated; liver enzyme elevations and GI symptoms occur most often.

4 Categories
6 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Fluconazole Overview

Essential Information

1

Take doses consistently each day.

2

Call for persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

3

Seek care for jaundice or dark urine.

4

Report dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.

Clinical Overview

Serious reactions include hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation with susceptible patients.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Nausea

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Take with food and maintain hydration.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Abdominal pain

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Supportive care; monitor for worsening symptoms.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hepatic

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Transaminase elevation

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor LFTs; discontinue if levels exceed 3-5 times upper limit with symptoms.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hepatotoxicity

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop drug and evaluate urgently.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Dermatologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Rash/Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Discontinue and obtain urgent evaluation.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Cardiac

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

QT prolongation

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor at-risk patients; avoid interacting QT-prolonging drugs.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Fluconazole, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

If your toddler is taking Fluconazole, they might feel different. This is usually temporary and normal.

Children (4-12 years)

This medicine fights yeast. Tell us if your tummy hurts or you feel very tired.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Report new medicines, especially heart pills or seizure medicines, while on fluconazole.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Upset stomach

A: Take with food and sip water.

When to validate: Call if vomiting or pain continues more than a day.

Q: Yellowing skin

A: Stop the medicine and seek immediate care.

When to validate: Urgent evaluation is needed.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for Fluconazole adverse effects using standardized severity grading.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal symptoms, No functional impairment, Patient comfortable continuing
Action: Continue medication with supportive care and routine monitoring
Moderate
Indicators: Noticeable symptoms, Some functional impact, Patient/family concerned
Action: Consider dose adjustment, increase monitoring frequency, provide supportive care
Severe
Indicators: Significant symptoms, Functional impairment, Quality of life affected
Action: Consider discontinuation, evaluate alternatives, close clinical follow-up

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening adverse effects
  • Signs of toxicity

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent moderate side effects
  • Inadequate therapeutic response
  • Patient/family preference

Dose Modification

  • Mild side effects with good efficacy
  • Age-related sensitivity
  • Drug interaction concerns

Clinical References

FluconazoleMedlinePlus (2024)Drug information

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Fluconazole