Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Fluconazole

Antifungal (azole, systemic)

Brand names: Diflucan

Oral health effects

  • Treatment of oral/esophageal candidiasis (therapeutic)

    Systemic azole for moderate-to-severe or refractory candidiasis.

    Clinical management: Check interactions (CYP inhibition: warfarin, some statins/benzodiazepines) and liver status; coordinate with physician.

  • Taste disturbance (taste perversion)

    Taste perversion was reported in about 1% of patients in clinical trials and is also listed in postmarketing reports.

    Clinical management: Reassure the patient that it is temporary. Use sugar-free products to mask the taste, and reinforce oral hygiene while candidiasis is treated.

Sources

  1. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.
  2. Fluconazole prescribing information (FDA label) REMEDYREPACK INC. / DailyMed, 2026.