Oral thrush can be successfully treated using antifungal medicines.
Antifungal treatments are available in the following forms:
- tablets
- lozenges
- powders
- creams
- rinses
Rinses are useful for people with a dry mouth who are unable to swallow antifungal tablets.
Antifungal medicines that can be used to treat oral thrush include:
- fluconazole
- itraconazole
- nystatin
- clotrimazole
- miconazole
- econazole
- ketoconazole
If you are taking certain antibiotics or corticosteroids that are thought to be causing your oral thrush, the medicine may need to be changed or the dosage reduced.
Some antifungal medications should not be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications. Always seek advice from your GP or pharmacist before taking antifungal medicines.
Side effects
Possible side effects of antifungal medicines include:
- nausea (feeling sick)
- tummy pain
- diarrhoea
- headache
- indigestion
If you wear dentures, an antifungal cream can be applied to the affected area of the roof of the mouth and to the bottom of the dentures. Antifungal lozenges are also effective.
If the underlying cause of your oral thrush cannot be cured, you may need to continue taking antifungal treatment for a longer period of time.
See the Health A-Z topic about Antifungal medicines for more information about this type of treatment.
