Vaginal candidiasis

November 2005     View PDF     En español

Treatment

Topical treatments (active only on the area where applied) are the first choices for yeast infections and these generally work for mild-to-moderate cases. These include vaginal creams, suppositories or tablets. Many are available over-the-counter in a drugstore.

Most topical treatments are put into the vagina once or twice a day for three days or once a day for seven days. (See table for drug names and doses). Longer courses (7–14 days) may be more effective in HIV-positive women.

Generally, topical treatments do not cause side effects, but in a small number of women they may lead to vaginal burning, itching or skin rash. A few women have experienced cramps or headaches. Oil-based vaginal creams should be used with caution as they may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms (see chart).

If topical treatment does not work, or if outbreaks recur often, you may need systemic (throughout the body) drugs. A single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) is increasingly used to treat vaginal candidiasis.