Fast Thrush Treatment Single Dose Fluconazole 150mg x 3 Capsules

Fluconazole 150mg Antifungal Capsules — Single Dose Thrush Treatment

Each pack contains one single-dose 150mg capsule of fluconazole, a clinically proven antifungal active ingredient used to treat genital thrush (candidiasis) in adults aged 16 to 60. 

⚠️ Important: This product is not suitable for oral thrush symptoms, or for skin and nail fungal infections. Not for use by those under 16 or over 60 unless directed by a doctor. 

What Is Fluconazole 150mg?

Fluconazole 150mg is an oral antifungal capsule used to treat genital thrush caused by the yeast Candida albicans. It is the same active ingredient found in the branded product Diflucan. The capsule works by disrupting the production of ergosterol — a key component of the fungal cell membrane — causing the cell wall to break down and the fungus to die. The full course of treatment is just one capsule, taken as a single oral dose with a glass of water, with or without food.

Fluconazole is suitable for treating:

• Female genital thrush (vaginal candidiasis) in adults aged 16–60
• Associated male genital thrush (candidal balanitis) in a partner aged 16–60

Recognising Thrush Symptoms

Thrush is one of the most common fungal infections in the UK. It occurs when the natural balance of microorganisms in the body is disrupted, allowing Candida to overgrow. Common triggers include antibiotic use, hormonal changes, diabetes, and wearing tight synthetic clothing.

Female symptoms may include:

• Itching or irritation around the vagina and vulva
• Redness, soreness or swelling of the vulval tissues
• A thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with no strong odour
• Discomfort or stinging when passing urine

Male symptoms (balanitis) may include:

• Redness or soreness of the head of the penis
• Tightness of the foreskin
• A white, non-smelling discharge under the foreskin
• Itching or burning sensation

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can occasionally be passed between partners through sexual contact. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by thrush, please consult a pharmacist, GP, or sexual health clinic before purchasing.

Dosage & How to Take

• Adults aged 16–60: Take one 150mg capsule as a single oral dose
• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food, at any time of day
• Do not crush or chew the capsule
• Check the blister foil is intact before use — do not take the capsule if the foil is broken
• Do not take more than one capsule per episode unless symptoms return after 7 days (see below)
• If symptoms have not improved within 7 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist
• If symptoms clear but return after 7 days, a second dose may be taken — unless you experienced an allergic reaction to the first dose
• Not suitable for children under 16, or adults over 60, without specific medical supervision

How Quickly Does Fluconazole Work?

Fluconazole is absorbed quickly after a single oral dose. Most people begin to notice an improvement in symptoms — particularly reduced itching and irritation — within 24 to 48 hours of taking the capsule. The infection typically clears completely within 7 days. The capsule continues to work throughout this period from a single dose, so no follow-up doses are needed unless symptoms persist or return.

Who Should Not Take This Medicine

Do not take fluconazole 150mg capsules if any of the following apply:

• You are allergic to fluconazole, any other azole antifungal, or any other ingredient in the capsule
• You are under 16 or over 60 years of age
• You are taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, or erythromycin
• You have porphyria (a rare blood disorder)
• You have severe liver or kidney problems
• You have a heart condition or abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• You have abnormal blood levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium

Always read the patient information leaflet in full before taking this medicine. 

Use During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Fluconazole 150mg capsules should only be taken during pregnancy if specifically advised by a GP or healthcare professional — other topical antifungal treatments (such as clotrimazole cream or pessary) are generally preferred as a first-line option during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, consult your GP before taking this medicine. A repeated dose of fluconazole should not be taken while breastfeeding.

Active Ingredient & Formulation

• Active ingredient: Fluconazole 150mg per capsule
• Form: Hard gelatine capsule, for oral use
• Pack size: 1 capsule per box  
• Note: Some brands contain lactose — check the product leaflet before use if you have a lactose intolerance or milk allergy. Brand supplied may vary but the active ingredient and dose are consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fluconazole 150mg Thrush Treatment

Q: How long does fluconazole take to work?
A: Most people notice a reduction in itching and irritation within 24–48 hours of taking a single 150mg capsule. Full clearance of the infection typically occurs within 7 days. If symptoms have not resolved within 7 days, consult a pharmacist or GP.

Q: Do I need a prescription to buy fluconazole 150mg in the UK?
A: Fluconazole 150mg is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning it can be sold without a GP prescription but only through a registered pharmacy after a clinical suitability check. EasyMeds Pharmacy is GPhC-registered and conducts this check via a short questionnaire at checkout.

Q: Can men take fluconazole 150mg for thrush?
A: Yes. The same single 150mg dose is used to treat male genital thrush (candidal balanitis). Symptoms in men include redness, itching, and discharge from the head of the penis. This pack of 3 capsules is well suited to simultaneous treatment of both partners.

Q: Can I take fluconazole if I am pregnant?
A: Fluconazole is not generally recommended as a first-choice treatment during pregnancy. Topical antifungal treatments such as clotrimazole cream or pessary are typically preferred. Speak to your GP or midwife before using this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking fluconazole?
A: There is no direct contraindication between fluconazole and alcohol, but alcohol can place additional strain on the liver. As fluconazole is also processed by the liver, moderate or excessive alcohol consumption alongside this medicine is not advisable. Read the PIL for full guidance.

Q: Can I take fluconazole more than once?
A: A single 150mg capsule is the full dose for one episode of genital thrush. If symptoms clear and then return after 7 days, a second dose may be taken — unless you experienced an allergic reaction to the first dose. If thrush recurs more than twice in six months, consult a GP as further investigation may be needed.

Q: Is fluconazole the same as Canesten oral capsule or Diflucan?
A: Yes. Fluconazole 150mg is the generic (non-branded) version of both Canesten Oral Capsule and Diflucan. All contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and work in the same way. The brand supplied in this listing may vary but will always contain fluconazole 150mg.

Q: What are the side effects of fluconazole?
A: Because fluconazole is taken as a single dose, side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, headache, stomach upset, diarrhoea, skin rash, or dizziness. Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction — such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe rash — seek medical attention immediately and do not take another capsule.

Q: Can I take fluconazole if I am on the contraceptive pill?
A: A single dose of fluconazole 150mg is not known to significantly interact with the combined oral contraceptive pill. However, fluconazole can affect the metabolism of certain medicines — always list all medications in the checkout questionnaire so our pharmacist can confirm suitability for you.

Q: Is fluconazole suitable for oral thrush?
A: This specific product (fluconazole 150mg single dose capsule sold as a Pharmacy medicine for genital thrush) is not licensed for oral thrush. Oral thrush typically requires a different treatment under GP supervision. Please visit our oral thrush treatment page for a suitable product.

Q: Can thrush come back after taking fluconazole?
A: Yes — thrush can recur, particularly if the underlying trigger (such as antibiotic use, high sugar intake, or hormonal changes) is not addressed. If thrush returns within 7 days of treatment, a second dose may be appropriate. If you experience four or more episodes per year, consult your GP about suppressive antifungal therapy.