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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThe goal of any oral thrush treatment is to stop the rapid spread of the fungus, but the best approach may depend on your age, your overall health and the cause of the infection.
For infants and nursing mothers
If you're breast-feeding an infant who has oral thrush, you and your baby will do best if you're both treated. Otherwise, you're likely to pass the infection back and forth. Your doctor may prescribe a mild antifungal medication for your baby and an antifungal cream for your breasts. If your baby uses a pacifier or feeds from a bottle, rinse nipples and pacifiers in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar daily and allow them to air dry to prevent fungus growth. Additionally, if you use a breast pump, rinse any of the detachable parts that come in contact with your milk in a vinegar and water solution too.
For healthy adults and children
If you're a healthy adult or child with oral thrush, eating unsweetened yogurt or taking acidophilus capsules or liquid may help lessen your infection. Yogurt and acidophilus don't destroy the fungus, but they can help restore the normal bacterial flora in your body. If your infection persists, your doctor will prescribe an antifungal medication.
For adults with weakened immune systems
Most often, your doctor will recommend an antifungal medication, which may come in one of several forms, including lozenges, tablets or a liquid that you swish in your mouth and then swallow.
Candida albicans can become resistant to antifungal medications, especially in people with late-stage HIV infection. A drug known as amphotericin B may be used when other medications aren't effective.
Some antifungal medications may cause liver damage. For this reason, your doctor will likely perform blood tests to monitor your liver function, especially if you require prolonged treatment or have a history of liver disease.
- Candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/candidiasis_gi.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Candidiasis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch120/ch120b.html. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose, & throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2009. New York, N.Y.; McGraw-Hill/Lange; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2356. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Candidiasis. American Academy of Pediatric's Redbook. http://aapredbook.aappublications.org. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Kauffman CA. Clinical manifestations of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2009.
- Lakshman PS, et al. Oral mucosal fungal infections. Periodontology 2000. 2009;49:39.
- Is thrush causing my sore nipples? La Leche League International. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/thrush.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Gonsalves WC. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
- Diabetes and oral health. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_18.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 30, 2009.
