It is generally recommended to wait at least 72 hours (3 days) after taking the last dose of fluconazole before drinking alcohol. Fluconazole has a long half-life of around 30 hours, meaning it can stay in the body for about 6 to 8 days to be fully eliminated. Waiting at least 3 days helps avoid potential side effects and liver strain that may occur if alcohol is consumed too soon while fluconazole is still in the system. For higher doses or longer treatments, waiting closer to 6-7 days is safer to ensure full clearance from the body and reduce risks of negative interactions. Individual factors like liver health also affect how long it takes to clear fluconazole, so consulting a doctor is advisable if in doubt.