treatment
Antifungal tablet
These are antifungal tablets, taken by mouth to treat fungal infections. These can be prescribed by a doctor when topical (creams and solutions) antifungals are not helping to clear up the infection. In certain cases, if the infection is severe or widespread or internal, then oral antifungals may be prescribed first by your doctor.
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Itraconazole
This is used for oral thrush, fungal infection in the lungs, fungal nail infections and pityriasis versicolor. This interacts with a lot of prescribed medication so should be used with caution. It should not be taken during pregnancy unless in a life-threatening infection and should be avoided in breastfeeding as it can accumulate in the milk.
Fluconazole
This is mainly used for treating vaginal thrush, where it is taken as a single dose of 150 mg. If you have recurrent thrush, then a 6-month course might be recommended at 150 mg every 72 hours for 3 doses, then once a week for 6 weeks. It should not be taken in pregnancy and can be taken when breastfeeding. It is also used in oral thrush where a 100 mg dose is given for 7-14 days.
Terbinafine
This is used for athlete’s foot, ringworm, sweat rash, fungal nails and pityriasis versicolor. This is only given if the creams haven’t worked. In fungal nail infections, this is taken as 250 mg once a day for 6 weeks to 3 months or longer. It is important to check liver function before starting the tablets and one month after as it can cause liver dysfunction. It is best to avoid both in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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