Before you take antifungals there are a number of things you should discuss with your GP.
Allergies
You are generally advised not to take an antifungal medicine if you are allergic to the medicine or any of the ingredients used in it.
In some cases, such as when treating invasive fungal infections in hospital, your doctors may feel the benefit of the medicine outweighs the risk of an allergic reaction. They may decide to use the medicine and monitor you closely.
Other conditions
Be careful with some oral antifungals if you have problems with your heart, liver or kidneys.
Discuss your condition with your GP or pharmacist to find out which antifungal medicines are safe for you to use.
Topical antifungals
If you are using a topical antifungal medicine, such as a cream, avoid it coming into contact with:
- your eyes
- moist linings (mucous membranes), for example, inside your nose or mouth (unless it is a gel that is supposed to be used in your mouth)
Contraceptives
Some antifungal medicines are designed to be used on a man's penis or in or around a woman's vagina. Antifungal creams or vaginal suppositories (pessaries) are sometimes used to treat thrush.
However, these types of antifungal medicines can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective. Use a different method of contraception while you are using the antifungal medicine, or avoid having sex.
Some types of antifungal medicines can also interact with oestrogens and progestogens, which are found in some types of hormonal contraceptives, such as the combined contraceptive pill. You may experience some breakthrough bleeding while taking your antifungal medicine, but your contraceptive protection should not be affected.
Only oral antifungal medicines interact with oestrogens.
Pregnancy
Many antifungal medicines are not suitable to take during pregnancy. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine to find out.
However, if you have vaginal thrush during pregnancy, your GP may prescribe an antifungal suppository that can be inserted into your vagina (a pessary) or an antifungal cream.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts of some medicines can pass into your breast milk and may then be passed on to your baby if you are breastfeeding. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your antifungal medicine, as many medicines should not be taken while breastfeeding.
