08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 17:40
Key takeaways:
Yeast infection pills are used to treat vaginal infections caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a popular yeast infection medication that requires only one dose. But yeast infection pills are not available over the counter (OTC) - you need a prescription to get them.
There are advantages and disadvantages of prescribed yeast infection pills and OTC yeast infection medications. Talk with a healthcare professional to help you figure out which treatment option is right for you.
A yeast infection is a fungal infection that can cause vaginal itching and burning, as well as a thick, white, and clumpy discharge. While Candida albicans is a fungus normally found in the vaginal flora, an overgrowth of it can lead to vaginal yeast infections. Yeast infection pills, such as Diflucan (fluconazole), are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections and restoring the balance between natural bacteria and yeast.
Prescription yeast infection pills are a popular treatment choice for yeast infections over many over-the-counter (OTC) options. Let's take a closer look at how Diflucan works, its potential side effects, and if it's a good treatment option for your yeast infection.
While there are several options available to help treat yeast infections - including pills and OTC topical creams - many people prefer yeast infection pills. This is because they tend to be less messy and easier to use than creams.
Need quick relief for a yeast infection? Find out which treatment works fast for yeast infection symptoms.
Not sure which yeast infection treatment to choose? Learn about the different treatment options for yeast infection and which one might work best for you.
First time taking yeast infection pills? Here's how long it takes for Diflucan to start working and when you can expect relief.
There are several other upsides of yeast infection pills, such as:
They are extremely effective in eliminating fungal infections.
A one-dose pill is usually all that's necessary to clear an infection.
Resistance to Diflucan (fluconazole) is not very common.
The generic fluconazole as a single dose is typically less expensive than OTC yeast infection medications.
Diflucan is a common yeast infection pill that treats fungal infections in men and women. It's not an antibiotic, but rather an antifungal that kills yeasts. Diflucan is prescription only, you can't buy it over the counter.
In addition to treating vaginal yeast infections, Diflucan can be used for fungal infections of the mouth, lungs, and blood. It's also prescribed to prevent fungal infections in individuals who have lower immunity, including people living with cancer or HIV.
Diflucan works by damaging the cell wall of the fungus that causes the infection. This makes it more difficult for fungi like Candida albicans to multiply further.
The most common Diflucan dosage for a vaginal yeast infection is a single 150 mg oral pill. One dose of Diflucan is usually all it takes to cure a yeast infection. This is because the medication stays in vaginal secretions for at least 72 hours. Most people begin to feel their symptoms improve in a day, as it takes about 24 hours for Diflucan to work for a vaginal yeast infection.
In certain people who have symptoms that persist after one dose of Diflucan, another dose can be taken every 3 days for a total of three doses. Sometimes, it may be necessary to continue taking it once a week for several months or years in some cases. If you have a vaginal yeast infection and don't notice any improvement in your symptoms despite treatment, let your prescriber know. They can help you figure out if your Diflucan dosage needs to be increased.
If Diflucan isn't working well for you or if you tend to get yeast infections frequently, Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp) is a yeast infection pill that can be an alternate option. The dosage includes 4 pills taken over 24 hours. Brexafemme is not yet available as a lower-cost generic. This is why Diflucan is still the preferred yeast infection pill.
As with all medications, Diflucan can also cause potential side effects. Luckily, the side effects of Diflucan are usually minor. The most common ones are:
Headache
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort
It's rare to have an allergic reaction to Diflucan. But it's important to get medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Wheezing
Fever
Rash
Swelling
Hives
Blisters of the skin
Diflucan and the OTC creams both work more than 90% of the time. So, ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on which yeast infection medication you're more comfortable using. Other considerations that might impact your decision include:
Whether the medication requires a prescription
How quickly you need relief
Cost
Let's take a look at how yeast infection pills compare to topical creams:
Yeast infection pills |
OTC yeast infection creams |
|
Are they effective? |
Yes |
Yes |
Prescription required? |
Yes |
No |
How long does it take to work? |
1-3 days |
1-2 days |
What is the treatment duration and dosage? |
150 mg pill over 1 day |
Regimens of 1, 3, or 7 days consisting of different doses |
How is it taken? |
Pill by mouth |
Vaginal applicator or vaginal suppository |
What are the side effects? |
Nausea, abdominal pain, and headache |
Vaginal burning and irritation |
Can you use it while pregnant? |
Yes (7-day version only) |
It's possible to get yeast infections pills online. Many telehealth services (like GoodRx Care) can prescribe treatment for a yeast infection without a trip to a clinic. A virtual appointment may be an option for you if it's hard for you to find a clinic or make it to an in-person appointment.
Diflucan is available as a lower-cost generic (fluconazole), and most insurance plans cover it.
With a free GoodRx coupon, two fluconazole 150 mg tablets can cost under $10 at certain pharmacies. And a 14-day supply of fluconazole 100 mg tablets could cost less than $15. A bottle of fluconazole 40 mg/mL oral liquid can cost less than $30 at certain pharmacies with a GoodRx coupon.
Yeast infection pills and OTC topical medications are both very effective treatments for yeast infections. While both work similarly well in rebalancing Candida albicans in the vagina, many people prefer yeast infection pills because they're easier to use and only require one dose.
Diflucan is the most common yeast infection treatment pill, but it requires a prescription. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, talk to a healthcare professional to help you figure out which treatment option might be best for you.
Berkow, E. L., et al. (2017). Fluconazole resistance in Candidaspecies: a current perspective. Infection and Drug Resistance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC).
Collins, L. M., et al. (2020). Prognosis and long-term outcome of women with idiopathic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease.
Drug Ocean LLC. (2023). Fluconazole tablet [package insert].
Pappas, P. G., et al. (2016). Clinical practice guideline for the management of Candidiasis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Sobel, J. D., et al. (2004). Maintenance fluconazole therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. New England Journal of Medicine.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). FDA drug safety communication: Use of long-term, high-dose Diflucan (fluconazole) during pregnancy may be associated with birth defects in infants.
Watson, M. C., et al. (2001). Oral versus intra-vaginal imidazole and triazole anti-fungal treatment of uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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