Patient was educated on how to administer Fluconazole premixed solution intravenous as follow:
- Fluconazole can be taken as a premixed solution, administered intravenously.
- The medication bag is stored at room temperature. Do not freeze the bag.
- The actual medication bag comes in an overwrap. Do not remove the medication bag from overwrap until ready for use. The overwrap acts as a moisture barrier. The medication bag preserves the sterility of the medication.
- Shake the bag well before administration for 15 seconds, to mix the contents of the bag. Make sure the medication in the bag is clear and free of any suspended particles, before use. Discard the bag at the notice of any suspended particles. Also, discard the bag, if contents are cloudy or discolored.
- Squeeze the bag to check for any leaks, before the dose is administered. Discard the dose, if the bag is leaking and prepare a new bag for administration.
- Evenly space out the doses of the antibiotic and take the dose at the scheduled time every day. Keeping to the schedule helps with maintaining a constant level of the antibiotic in the body, which is needed for infection control. Also, this helps to avoid forgetting the dose of medication.
- While administering the dose, administer the dose into the vein only at the recommended rate. Rapid administration of the intravenous dose of Fluconazole can result in sudden and rapid increase in the blood levels of the medication, which can be toxic.
- Do not reuse the sharps and syringes used for the infusion procedure. Discard the sharps into a sharps container.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of Fluconazole as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. The dose and length of treatment depends upon the medical condition, severity of infection, and response to treatment.
- Complete the course of the premixed antibiotic that it was prescribed for. Do not give up on the antibiotic, against your doctor’s recommendation, even if the symptoms of infection are controlled.
- Noncompliance with premixed Fluconazole intake for the complete schedule can result in ineffective infection control with chance of relapse of infection with increased vigor. This can also contribute towards emergence of drug resistant strains of fungi, making infection control more difficult.
- Do not change the dose on premixed Fluconazole without consulting your doctor.
- In patients with GERD, taking Omeprazole, Fluconazole can inhibit the metabolism of Omeprazole, thus elevating the blood levels of Omeprazole for a longer duration, causing increased nausea, vomiting, and flatulence. Space Fluconazole out by at least 2 hours from taking Omeprazole to avoid this complication. Discuss with your doctor regarding other medications you take regularly and any possible interactions they can have with Fluconazole.
- Watch out for any continuing or worsening signs and symptoms of infection, to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
