AF 200

AF 200 is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat antifungal and yeast infections affecting your skin, lungs, mouth, throat, meningitis, etc. The active ingredient present in the medication is Fluconazole. It acts by inhibiting the growth of the fungal cell wall, thus resulting in fungal cell death. 

Key Features

MECHANISM OF ACTION 

Fluconazole binds to the free nitrogen atom from the azole ring directly to the iron atom in the heme group of lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase. This binding prevents the activation of oxygen and halts the conversion of lanosterol into ergosterol, which is a vital component of the fungal cell plasma membrane. Without enough ergosterol, the cell begins to lose its characteristics thereby leading to cell death. 

USES

AF 200 is used for vaginal infections, oral and throat infections, systemic fungal infections, skin and nail infections, brain and lung fungal infections, etc. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

Major & minor side effects include:

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Altered taste
• Skin rashes
• Hair loss (rare)
• Swelling of lips, face, eyelids, tongue, etc  (rare)
• Heartburn 
• Liver damage (rare)

INTERACTIONS

• Anti-seizure medications: Phenytoin and carbamazepine levels can increase significantly, raising the risk of toxicity. 
• Transplant rejection drugs: Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, etc levels can increase significantly, raising the risk of toxicity. 
• Anticoagulants: Warfarin and other anticoagulants may cause increased effects raising the risk of bleeding. 
• Antidiabetic medications: Sulfonylureas when combined with AF 200 can increase the risk of low blood sugar. 

PRECAUTIONS 

• Do not use the medication if you are allergic to Fluconazole or any other active ingredients of the tablet. 
• Do not self medicate as it can increase the risk of antifungal resistance. 
• Use with caution or avoid it if you have a history of heart rhythm disorders or heart failure. 
• Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour or 2 hours after taking AF 200. 
• If you can, try to limit your alcohol intake, as this can worsen dizziness and place extra strain on your liver. 
• Finish the full prescribed dosing, even if symptoms improve to prevent the infection from returning. 
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machineries. 

CONCLUSION 

AF 200 (Fluconazole 200 mg) is a triazole antifungal used for a wide range of fungal and yeast infections. It is generally well tolerated, and most side effects, such as headache, nausea or stomach upset, are mild. Rarely, it can affect the liver or heart rhythm, and it interacts with several medicines, including blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, transplant medications and diabetes tablets. Always tell your physician about every medicine you take before starting AF 200. For best results, take it exactly as prescribed, complete the full course even if you feel better, and avoid self-medicating, which can lead to antifungal resistance. 

FAQs