Candidiasis Medications

Types of Medications & How They Work

There are several types of candidiasis that each requires its particular medications for treatment:

• Vaginal and vulval candidiasis: An overgrowth of candida occurs in the vagina which leads to discharge, itching, redness, and burning. Topical antifungal medication is often used or oral fluconazole. Ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme) is also used either orally or topically. Catheterized patients who suffer from candidiasis are often prescribed oral fluconazole after removing and cleaning the catheter plus a complete amphotericin B bladder irrigation. In some situations, intravenous  amphotericin B is needed to treat the candidiasis.
• Oral candidiasis: Known as ‘thrush,’ oral candidiasis causes a proliferation of white sores in the mouth, on the tongue, throat, and oesophagus. Treatment consists of either topical antifungal medications such as clotrimazole or nystatin. Amphotericin B oral suspension is also used. In some situations, oral fluconazole, Posaconazole, or itraconazole is used.
• Cutaneous candidiasis: A skin infection caused by candidiasis that causes itchy, red bumps in skin folds such as those located in the groin, buttocks, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Treatment involves the use of topical antifungal agents such as econazole, miconazole, nystatin, clotrimazole, or ketoconazole. If the infection causes abscesses (a condition known as paronychia) then the lesion must be drained and treated with oral fluconazole or itraconazole.
• Candida granuloma: A fungal infection of the fingernails, scalp, mouth, or skin. Oral itraconazole is often used which consists of two treatment regimens taken for three to six months. A higher dose might also be given as a seven-day course. The cycle is often repeated at three or six-month intervals.
• Invasive (systemic) candidiasis: A life-threatening fungal infection that occurs in the bloodstream, within the skull, and on the membrane that lines the heart. Intravenous administration of echinocandin, micafungin, caspofungin or anidulafungin is administered. On occasion, your physician might also opt to use amphotericin B, voriconazole caspofungin, anidulafungin, fluconazole, or Treatment usually lasts for two weeks.