What is fluconazole 150 mg used for?
In the pharmaceutical industry, Fluconazole 150 mg is a highly effective, first-generation triazole antifungal. As a pharmacist, I view the 150 mg tablet as a “blockbuster” strength because its unique pharmacokinetics—specifically its high oral bioavailability and long half-life (approx. 30 hours)—allow for a convenient single-dose therapy for many common fungal infections.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): The most common indication. A single 150 mg dose is usually sufficient to treat uncomplicated acute vaginal yeast infections.
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Candidal Balanitis: Used for the treatment of fungal infections of the glans penis.
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Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Candidiasis: While often requiring multiple days of treatment, the 150 mg strength is used in the initial regimen for “thrush” in immunocompromised or elderly patients.
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Tinea Infections: Used for skin infections like Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), Tinea corporis (ringworm), and Tinea cruris (jock itch), typically administered once weekly for 2–4 weeks.
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Onychomycosis: Used off-label in weekly 150 mg doses for several months to treat fungal nail infections.
Mechanism of Action
Fluconazole is primarily fungistatic. It inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme, lanosterol 14--demethylase.
Ergosterol Depletion: By blocking this enzyme, Fluconazole prevents the conversion of lanosterol into ergosterol, which is the essential component of the fungal cell membrane (similar to cholesterol in humans).
Membrane Disruption: The resulting depletion of ergosterol leads to increased membrane permeability and leakage of intracellular components, effectively halting fungal growth and replication.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Fluconazole 150 mg is a high-demand essential product:
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Polymorphism Control: Fluconazole can exist in different polymorphic forms. As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we strictly monitor the API crystalline structure during the formulation of our BP/USP/IP tablets to ensure consistent dissolution and bioequivalence.
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Single-Dose Packaging: Because the primary use is a single dose, we often pack these in a “1×1” or “1×2” Alu-Alu blister pack. This is cost-effective and improves patient compliance.
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Stability for Global Trade: Fluconazole is stable but should be protected from moisture. We utilize Alu-Alu packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life, especially for export to Zone IVb regions (Africa, SE Asia, and Latin America).
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B2B & Dossier Support: This is a core product for women’s health and dermatology distributors. Our Mumbai-based facility provides full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support our B2B partners in registering high-quality generics against the innovator (Diflucan).