Thrush Treatment for Women

Female thrush can be found in warm, moist areas of the body. Thrush is usually found in the vagina, but can also be found in other areas of the body, such as:

• between the fingers
• inside the mouth
• the armpits

Canesten Oral and Cream Duo

This is a 2 step treatment that contains 1 oral tablet and an external cream. The tablet contains 150mg of the active ingredient (medication) called fluconazole. This is antifungal medicine, meaning it can treat the cause of the infection. The cream contains an active ingredient called clotrimazole, which is also an antifungal treatment.

There is a single tablet that should be swallowed and taken with a glass of water. The cream should be used 2 to 3 times daily, for up to 7 days. Continue using the cream after your symptoms disappear and for as long as your doctor has told you, otherwise your thrush may come back. For vaginal thrush, fluconazole can help your symptoms go away within 7 days. With the use of clotrimazole, your external symptoms, such as discharge and itching, should get better within 3 days.

Fluconazole is usually fine for most women but can be unsafe while pregnant, so speak to your doctor before use. Clotrimazole cream is safe for most women, but speak to your doctor if you have never had thrush before, have blisters or ulcers on your vagina, or irregular bleeding.

Clotrimazole

This is the same treatment as Canesten, without the oral tablet. Clotrimazole is a cream that contains the active ingredient clotrimazole. It works as an antifungal treatment, meaning it kills the fungus that causes thrush. It can also relieve symptoms externally. You should only apply the cream to the outside of the vagina and on affected areas of the skin. You must use the cream 2 to 3 times a day, for up to 7 days. It may be prescribed for longer. It takes around 3 days to make symptoms better.

Speak to your doctor if you have had thrush more than twice in 6 months, have had an STI, or you have unusual bleeding from your vagina.

Clotrimazole cream and pessary combo

You can also get the clotrimazole cream along with a pessary that contains 500mg of clotrimazole. This is a vaginal tablet that is inserted at night time using an applicator. The cream is applied to the outside of the vagina and on the affected areas of skin, as above. This can be done 2 to 3 times a day to soothe your external symptoms until they get better. The pessary will treat the internal causes of thrush.

Yes, thrush treatment can be given over the counter but this means it will not be prescribed to you. Our service allows you to get thrush treatment and have your information reviewed by a doctor. This means you know you are getting the right treatment and can discuss your concerns with a doctor at any time, for free, on your online account. Your treatment can be delivered to your home, with free delivery, meaning you can get thrush treatment without leaving the house.

Clotrimazole cream

Common side effects can include:

• stinging or burning sensation around the affected area of skin
• inflamed, red skin

If you get any of these side effects, try using less cream on the areas. If the side effects do not go away on their own, stop treatment and speak to your doctor or pharmacist about an alternative medication. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Clotrimazole does not come with serious side effects but as with any medication, there is a chance of an allergic reaction. If you have trouble breathing, begin to swell around your mouth or face, or you get a skin rash, call 999 or visit A&E right away.

Fluconazole tablet

Fluconazole is the tablet that is included in the Canesten Oral and Cream Duo and has some common side effects, including:

• stomach pain
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick) or diarrhoea
• rash
• headaches

As you will only be taking a single dose of this medication, side effects are less likely and should go away within a few days. Treat side effects as you usually would, by resting and keeping hydrated. Make sure to take the tablet with a full glass of water, to reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting (being sick).

Fluconazole can have some serious side effects, including:

• irregular or fast heartbeat
• allergic reaction
• liver problems, such as yellow skin, pale poo, and dark pee
• blood related problems, like bruising easily

As you are only taking one dose, these side effects are rare but speak to your doctor or visit A&E right away if you have any of them.

Pessary

Common side effects can include:

• rash
• discomfort or irritation
• burning
• pelvic or stomach pain

Rare side effects can include:

• bleeding
• genital peeling
• swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs

If you do get any of the common side effects, they should go away within a few days. If you get any of the rare side effects, or show signs of an allergic reaction to clotrimazole, you should speak to your doctor or seek urgent medical help.

Clotrimazole cream is used externally, meaning it does not go inside the vagina or body. It is usually safe whilst pregnant or breastfeeding but always speak to your doctor first to make sure.

Before using clotrimazole, speak to your doctor if you have:

• had thrush more than twice in 6 months
• never had thrush before
• open sores on, or around, the vagina
• had an STI
• abnormal bleeding from the vagina, or discharge containing blood

Fluconazole, which is the oral tablet, can interact with some medications including:

• statins (for high cholesterol)
• quetiapine or pimozide (used for mental illness)
• losartan (for high blood pressure)
• reboxetine (for treating depression)
• carbamazepine (for epilepsy
• erythromycin (an antibiotic)
• warfarin (a blood thinner)
• ergotamine (for migraines)
• amiodarone (for health problems)

If you use any medications, including the ones listed above, speak to your doctor before taking fluconazole.

Fluconazole may not be suitable for you if you have:

• kidney problems
• liver problems
• heart disease
• had an allergic reaction to fluconazole before, or any other medications
• abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in the blood
• acute porphyria (a rare blood disorder)

Fluconazole is not recommended during pregnancy but sometimes one dose can be given, if your doctor has told you it is okay. Fluconazole may be used during breastfeeding but only if your doctor has told you to.