Fluconazole generally starts working within 24 to 72 hours after administration. For mild and uncomplicated infections, such as vaginal yeast infections, symptom improvement is often seen within one to three days, and sometimes symptoms may begin to fade within 24 hours
. For oral infections like thrush, symptoms typically improve within about a week
. In more severe or persistent fungal infections, fluconazole may take longer to show effects, often one to two weeks or more, depending on the infection's severity and location
. For systemic or deep fungal infections, symptom relief may take days to weeks as the medication reaches effective levels in the body
. Pharmacokinetically, fluconazole reaches peak blood levels within 1 to 2 hours after oral dosing, and steady-state concentrations are achieved within 5 to 10 days with daily dosing. The drug has a long half-life of about 30 hours, meaning it stays active in the body for several days after the last dose
. In summary:
- Mild infections: symptom improvement in 1–3 days, sometimes within 24 hours.
- Oral infections: improvement within about a week.
- Severe infections: 1–2 weeks or longer for noticeable effects.
- Peak blood levels: 1–2 hours post-dose.
- Steady state: 5–10 days with daily dosing.
- Half-life: ~30 hours.
Completing the full prescribed course is important for effective treatment and to prevent recurrence
