# Fluconazole in Nigeria

Fluconazole has 47 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 38 registration holders; 55 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/fluconazole/
- Drug class: Triazole antifungal agent (Antifungals)
- Also known as: Diflucan, Flucoral, Funzela
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Fluconazole tablets sell for about ₦2,133 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦2,190–₦7,340; Diflucan) at three online pharmacies. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. That figure is for Diflucan; 46 other fluconazole brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is the most widely prescribed antifungal drug in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the triazole class of antifungals and works by inhibiting a fungal enzyme called lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which is essential for the production of ergosterol — a key component of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes unstable and leaky, ultimately killing the fungus. Importantly, fluconazole is highly selective for the fungal enzyme and has minimal effect on the equivalent human enzyme, which is why it is generally well tolerated at standard doses.

In Nigeria, fluconazole is best known for treating vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections), which is extremely common. The warm, humid climate across much of Nigeria, combined with the widespread use of antibiotics (which disrupt the normal vaginal flora), means that vaginal yeast infections are one of the most frequent reasons women visit pharmacies. For uncomplicated vaginal candidiasis, a single 150mg capsule of fluconazole often resolves the infection — making it one of the most convenient treatments available. However, fluconazole's importance extends far beyond vaginal yeast infections. It is a lifesaving drug for HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis, the most common cause of meningitis in people living with HIV in Africa and a leading killer of AIDS patients in Nigeria.

Fluconazole is available in Nigeria under Pfizer's original Diflucan and under dozens of generics. Our October 2026 copy of the NAFDAC register lists 102 fluconazole products, 47 of them with Active registrations — Emzor's 200 mg and 50 mg capsules (A11-1008, A11-0985), Eden's 150 mg capsule (C4-0072), Fidson's Flucostat infusion for hospital use (A11-0245) and many Indian-made 150 mg and 200 mg capsules; Emzor's single-dose Zorflucan-1 (A11-100119) is recorded Inactive. Funzela, Aspen's brand familiar from older prescriptions, does not appear in our copy. Generic capsules cost far less than Diflucan. The 150 mg capsule is the strength most often dispensed for vaginal and superficial candidiasis; 200 mg and above are for more serious infections, including the cryptococcal meningitis that fluconazole treats and prevents in people living with HIV.

## What is Fluconazole used for?

- Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection) — the most common reason fluconazole is purchased in Nigeria; a single 150mg dose is often curative
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush) — extremely common in HIV patients and in patients who have used antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids
- Oesophageal candidiasis — a serious fungal infection of the food pipe, typically seen in advanced HIV/AIDS
- Cryptococcal meningitis — fluconazole is used for both treatment (usually after initial amphotericin B) and long-term maintenance therapy to prevent relapse in HIV patients
- Systemic candidiasis (candidaemia) — serious bloodstream fungal infection in hospitalised patients
- Dermatophyte infections — tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch) when topical treatment is insufficient
- Prophylaxis against fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation
- Candidal balanitis (fungal infection of the male foreskin/glans)

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: For vaginal candidiasis: a single dose of 150mg. For recurrent vaginal candidiasis (4 or more episodes per year): 150mg every 72 hours for 3 doses (days 1, 4, and 7), then 150mg once weekly for 6 months. For oropharyngeal thrush: 200mg on the first day, then 100mg to 200mg once daily for 7 to 14 days. For oesophageal candidiasis: 200mg to 400mg once daily for 14 to 21 days. For cryptococcal meningitis maintenance: 200mg once daily following initial treatment with amphotericin B. Take fluconazole at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Children: For oropharyngeal candidiasis: 3 to 6mg per kilogram on the first day, then 3mg per kilogram once daily for at least 7 to 14 days. For systemic candidiasis: 6 to 12mg per kilogram per day. Maximum daily dose in children should not exceed 400mg. Fluconazole is available as an oral suspension for children. For neonates: fluconazole clearance is slower, and doses should be given every 72 hours in the first 2 weeks of life, then every 48 hours until 4 weeks of age. Paediatric dosing should be determined by a doctor.
- Elderly: No specific dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients with normal kidney function. However, since kidney function declines with age, dose reduction may be necessary in elderly patients with reduced renal function. The dose should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance.

Fluconazole can be taken with or without food as absorption is not significantly affected. For a single dose for vaginal candidiasis, no special precautions are needed. For longer courses, ensure adequate hydration. If you are prescribed fluconazole for cryptococcal meningitis maintenance, do NOT stop the medication without your doctor's approval — stopping too early can result in a life-threatening relapse. Report any signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea) to your doctor promptly.

## Side effects

Common: Headache; Nausea and abdominal pain; Diarrhoea; Skin rash — usually mild, but stop the drug and see a doctor if it progresses; Elevated liver enzymes — usually detected through blood tests and typically reversible.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) — rare but potentially serious; manifests as jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, severe fatigue, and right upper abdominal pain. More likely with prolonged high-dose therapy; Severe skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are rare but life-threatening; more common in HIV patients and those with other serious medical conditions; QT prolongation — can cause dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities, particularly when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs; Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — rare; seek emergency care for facial swelling or difficulty breathing; Adrenal insufficiency — rare, reported with very high doses or prolonged use.

When to see a doctor: See a doctor promptly if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue while taking fluconazole — these may indicate liver damage. Stop fluconazole immediately and seek emergency care if you develop a skin rash that spreads or blisters, mouth sores, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat. If you are HIV-positive and taking fluconazole for cryptococcal meningitis, report any worsening headache, neck stiffness, or vision changes to your doctor immediately as these may indicate treatment failure or immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to fluconazole or other azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole); Concurrent use with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, or quinidine at fluconazole doses of 400mg or more — risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias; Concurrent use with erythromycin and fluconazole due to cardiac risk; Severe liver disease — fluconazole should be used with extreme caution and only when necessary.

Interactions: Warfarin — fluconazole significantly increases the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by inhibiting its metabolism; INR must be closely monitored and warfarin dose reduced accordingly; Oral hypoglycaemics (glibenclamide, glipizide) — fluconazole can increase their blood sugar-lowering effect, causing hypoglycaemia; blood sugar should be monitored closely; Phenytoin — fluconazole increases phenytoin levels, risking toxicity; Rifampicin — significantly reduces fluconazole levels, potentially making it ineffective; may need to increase fluconazole dose. This is particularly important in Nigeria where TB-HIV co-infection is common; Ciclosporin and tacrolimus (immunosuppressants) — fluconazole increases their levels, requiring dose adjustments and monitoring; Statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin) — fluconazole can increase statin levels, increasing the risk of muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis); Certain antiretrovirals (efavirenz, nevirapine) — complex interactions relevant for HIV patients in Nigeria; consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: A single 150mg dose of fluconazole for vaginal candidiasis is generally considered low risk during pregnancy, though some guidelines recommend topical antifungals (such as clotrimazole) as first-line treatment during pregnancy. However, high doses of fluconazole (400mg or more daily) and prolonged courses are CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy due to reports of birth defects including skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. Pregnant women with serious fungal infections requiring high-dose fluconazole should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. Fluconazole is excreted in breast milk at concentrations similar to blood levels. A single 150mg dose is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but prolonged courses require medical guidance.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Diflucan (Pfizer, made in France); Emzor Fluconazole (Emzor, made in Nigeria); Eden Fluconazole (Eden U-K Pharm Ltd, made in India); Flucostat IV (Fidson Healthcare, made in Nigeria); Zorflucan-1 (Emzor, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/fluconazole/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack. In our October 2026 copy of the register Diflucan 50 mg (04-1426), Emzor Fluconazole 200 mg (A11-1008), Eden Fluconazole 150 mg (C4-0072) and Flucostat IV (A11-0245) are Active; Zorflucan-1 (A11-100119) is recorded Inactive
2. Enter the number in our free NAFDAC checker and confirm the product name, strength and holder match the pack
3. Purchase from licensed pharmacies — fluconazole is a prescription antifungal and should ideally be dispensed by a pharmacist who can advise on correct use
4. For Diflucan (Pfizer), check for the distinctive blue and white capsule appearance, clear embossing, and consistent packaging quality
5. Inspect the capsules for uniform colour, size, and markings. Reject any that appear damaged, discoloured, or have an unusual odour
6. Be cautious of unusually cheap products — if fluconazole 150mg costs far less than other pharmacies charge, verify the source and NAFDAC registration before use

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Can one capsule of fluconazole cure a yeast infection?

Yes, for uncomplicated vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection), a single 150mg capsule of fluconazole is often sufficient to cure the infection. This is one of fluconazole's major advantages — the convenience of a one-dose treatment. Most women experience significant symptom improvement within 24 to 48 hours, with complete resolution within a few days. However, if symptoms persist after 7 days or recur within 2 months, you should see a doctor, as this may indicate a resistant Candida species or a different type of infection altogether. Women who experience 4 or more yeast infections per year have recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, which requires a longer treatment course — typically fluconazole 150mg every 3 days for 3 doses, followed by weekly doses for 6 months.

### Why is fluconazole important for HIV patients in Nigeria?

Fluconazole is a lifesaving drug for HIV patients in Nigeria for several critical reasons. First, it treats oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis), which is one of the earliest and most common opportunistic infections in HIV — affecting a significant proportion of people living with HIV who have low CD4 counts. Second, it treats oesophageal candidiasis, a more serious condition that causes painful swallowing and weight loss. Third, and most importantly, fluconazole is essential for treating and preventing cryptococcal meningitis — a fungal infection of the brain and spinal cord caused by Cryptococcus neoformans that is the leading cause of meningitis-related death in people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. After initial treatment with amphotericin B, HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis require long-term maintenance therapy with fluconazole 200mg daily to prevent relapse. Without this maintenance, the relapse rate is extremely high and usually fatal.

### Can men take fluconazole for fungal infections?

Yes, fluconazole is used in men for several fungal conditions. Candidal balanitis (a yeast infection of the foreskin and glans penis) is treated with fluconazole 150mg as a single dose, just like vaginal candidiasis in women. Fluconazole is also used for tinea infections (ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot) when topical antifungals have not been sufficient. Men who are sexual partners of women with recurrent yeast infections do not routinely need treatment, as vaginal candidiasis is not typically considered a sexually transmitted infection. However, if a man develops symptoms (redness, itching, or irritation), treatment with fluconazole is appropriate. Men with HIV are also prescribed fluconazole for oral thrush and cryptococcal meningitis prevention.

### What is the difference between fluconazole and clotrimazole?

Both fluconazole and clotrimazole are antifungal drugs, but they differ in how they are used. Fluconazole is taken by mouth (orally) as a capsule or tablet, making it a systemic treatment that reaches fungal infections throughout the body via the bloodstream. Clotrimazole is a topical antifungal applied directly to the skin or inserted vaginally as a cream or pessary. For vaginal yeast infections, both are effective options — fluconazole 150mg as a single oral dose is more convenient, while clotrimazole cream or pessaries are applied locally for 1 to 7 days. Clotrimazole is often preferred during pregnancy because it stays local and does not enter the bloodstream significantly. For serious systemic fungal infections (like cryptococcal meningitis), fluconazole is essential as topical treatments cannot reach internal organs. In Nigeria, both are widely available and affordable.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)