AF 400

AF 400 belongs to a class of medications called triazole antifungals. The active ingredient present in the tablet is Fluconazole. The medication can be taken with or without food. The dosage and the length of the treatment usually depends on the infection being treated. Do not self medicate as it can lead to antifungal resistance. 

Key Features

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Fluconazole works by blocking a specific enzyme called cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase in the fungi. By hindering its activity, fluconazole effectively disrupts the synthesis of ergosterol. This disruption leads to increased fungal membrane permeability, causing leakage of certain cellular components and eventually leading to the death of the cell. 

USES

• Systemic fungal infections
• Cryptococcal infections
• Candida infections
• Other fungal infections

SIDE EFFECTS 

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Dizziness
• Hypokalemia
• Vertigo
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain 

INTERACTIONS 

• Oral hypoglycaemics: AF 400 can increase the side effects of medications like glipizide, tolbutamide, etc used to manage diabetes. 
• Anti-epileptic medications: The levels of phenytoin in your blood may increase when taken with AF 400. 
• Anticoagulants: AF 400 can increase the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin. 
• Bronchodilators: AF 400 when used with theophylline can increase the levels of theophylline, raising the risk of side effects. 
• Heart rhythm medications: AF 400 can prolong the QT interval when combined with drugs like amiodarone, quinidine or pimozide raising the risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes. 
• Oral contraceptives: AF 400 may slightly increase or alter the levels of estradiol in birth control pills. 

PRECAUTIONS 

• Avoid AF 400 during pregnancy. High doses can cause serious harm or birth defects to the unborn baby. 
• Do not take AF 400 if you are allergic to fluconazole or other azole antifungals. 
• Repeated or high doses of Fluconazole should be avoided during nursing. 
• AF 400 can make contraceptives less effective and thus other barrier methods should be used. 
• Avoid driving or using machineries until you know how the medication affects you. 
• Limit or avoid alcohol. 
• Avoid taking antacids 1 hour or 2 hours after your AF 400 dose. 

CONCLUSION 

AF 400 (Fluconazole 400 mg) is the highest-strength tablet in the AF range, used for systemic fungal infections, cryptococcal infections and Candida infections. Because it is a higher dose, a few points deserve extra care. Take it exactly as prescribed, finish the full course even when you feel better, and never self-medicate, as this can lead to antifungal resistance. If you notice a severe rash, palpitations, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or persistent stomach pain, contact your physician promptly.

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