It is never easy to deal with oral thrush, and you may have to take antifungal medicines to help resolve the issue. You can find topical antifungal medicines – you have to apply them directly to the affected area – or you can also use oral antifungal medicines that you need to swallow. There are also antifungal medicines that you need to take intravenously in rare cases.

Oral Thrush Medications

There are a number of medications available to help treat your fungal infection. It is important to bear in mind that these medications should be used as per the directions of your healthcare provider or else they may lead to certain complications. Here are some of the best options to consider.

1. Nystatin Suspension

Commonly used to deal with fungal infections of the mouth, nystatin suspension is an effective choice to treat oral thrush. Many doctors also prescribe it for many other conditions that involve fungal infections. It is effective because it helps weaken cell membranes of the sensitive fungus. This would result in the leakage of cell contents and death of the fungus.

Precautions

• You should never use nystatin suspension if you are allergic to an ingredient found in it.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any existing medical conditions because nystatin suspension can interact with certain conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Make a list of any prescription or non-prescription medicine, as well as dietary supplements or herbal preparations you may be using. This information helps your doctor decide whether you are a good candidate for nystatin suspension or not.

2. Diflucan

It is another effective oral thrush medication usually used to treat different types of fungal infections. Your doctor may prescribe this medication if you have a fungal infection in any part of the body, including the throat, mouth, lungs, esophagus, genital area, bladder, and the blood.

Precautions

• It is a good idea to avoid using diflucan if you are already taking erythromycin, cisapride, quinidine, or pimozide.
• People who are allergic to fluconazole should also avoid the use of diflucan.
• Inform your doctor about any medical condition you may have, including cancer, liver disease, heart disease, HIV, or kidney disease.
• Your doctor may not prescribe diflucan if you have a family history of Long QT syndrome.

3. Fluconazole

Used for the treatment and prevention of fungal and yeast infections, fluconazole may well be the choice of your doctor to help clear your oral thrush. This azole antifungal kills sensitive fungi by disrupting the formation process of the fungal cell membrane.

Precautions

• It is better to avoid fluconazole if you are likely to develop an allergic reaction or you are already taking cisapride, astemizole, pimozide, erythromycin, voriconazole, or terfenadine.
• You should also avoid fluconazole if you have certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you have allergies, are taking certain prescription or non-prescription medications, or have a weakened immune system due to diabetes, HIV infection, or cancer.

4. Mycelex Troche

Usually prescribed to treat and prevent fungal infections of the throat and mouth, mycelex troche is one of the oral thrush medications that bind to the fungal cell membrane and kill sensitive fungi.

Precautions

• You should not use mycelex troches if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Avoid it if you are taking an ergot alkaloid.
• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should inform their doctor before taking the medicine.
• As the medicine can react to herbal preparations, nonprescription medicine, and dietary supplements, be sure to tell your doctor about any of the medications you are using already.
• Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine in case you have liver disease.

5. Mycostatin

It is a commonly used medicine to treat fungal infections of the intestines, stomach, and mucus membranes. Like many other antifungal medicines, it works by targeting cell membranes of the fungus. This eventually results in the leakage of the cell contents.

Precautions

It is better to avoid this medicine in case you have an existing medication condition. Inform your doctor if you have medical conditions or you are currently using another prescription, non-prescription medicine, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations.

Note

• Your doctor will always consider your symptoms and prescribe a medicine as per the severity of the situation. They may prescribe a stronger medicine in case you have been dealing with the infection for quite some time or your infection has returned after initial treatment.

• Your doctor will always prescribe a topical antifungal medicine in case your baby is dealing with oral thrush. Adults are more likely to respond to oral antifungal medicines.

• Your doctor may perform a culture test if common antifungal medicines do not work. The test helps identify the strains of yeast causing the infection, which makes it easier to select the best oral thrush medication.

Natural Remedies for Oral Thrush

It is true that you can find many types of antifungal medications and they work quite fine, but there will always be a risk of experiencing side effects. To avoid those side effects, you may want to try some natural remedies to treat oral thrush. Here are some options to consider:

• Always practice good oral hygiene. Instead of going through all the hassle to deal with oral thrush, it is better to pay attention to oral hygiene and avoid the infection in the first place. You should brush twice a day and floss at least once every day.

• Replace your toothbrush. If you currently have an infection, change your toothbrush once it clears up. Use an electric toothbrush if it makes brushing easier for you. Stay away from mouthwash and sprays, as they can disrupt the normal flora in the mouth.

• Make use of a saline solution. Take a cup of warm water and add half teaspoon of salt in it. Use this solution to rinse your mouth thoroughly. Be sure to spit it out.