Yeast Infection Medication: Finding a Cure without the Hassle

When it comes to your body, knowing what to watch out for and what is normal is critical to your overall health. And women’s health is no exception. The truth is that yeast infections are quite common.

In fact, most women will experience at least one yeast infection over the course of their lives. So when you’re considering a yeast infection medication, it’s important to know the facts and risk factors. Also referred to as candida, vaginal yeast infections can be painful, not to mention a nuisance.

According to some women’s health experts your chances of developing a yeast infection are high and you may experience a number of symptoms. These can include:

Vaginal irritation or redness
Thick, white vaginal discharge
Painful burning or itching
Painful intercourse

It’s also important to remember that yeast infections during pregnancy are also quite common. However, if you experience one, and are pregnant, you should contact your doctor immediately. He or she may want to see you to make sure your pregnancy is progressing as planned.

When selecting medication for a yeast infection, you have a lot of options. Some are more effective or immediate than others.

Fluconazole

According to Medline Plus, Fluconazole is quite effective in fighting and preventing vaginal yeast infections. Fluconazole is available as a pill. It can also be purchased as a liquid. Also used to treat spinal meningitis, Fluconazole is used to treat and prevent both fungal and yeast infections, but experts recommend you keep a few things in mind.

The brand name for Fluconazole is Diflucan. It is an antifungal, which interrupts the growth of fungus along tissue membranes along the spine.

According to DermNet NZ, Fluconazole comes in capsules of 50, 150, and 200 mg. However, the drug has some side effects. Side effects can include:

Skin conditions
Liver problems (though rare)

Yeast infection medication, as a general rule, is readily available in the form of creams. Monistat is an example of one vaginal cream, which is often used to treat yeast infections. Monistat can be purchased over the counter. Fluconazole is available at local and online pharmacies, and can be purchased without a prescription.

Sporanox

Sporanox, which is also an antifungal, is an injection, which is often used to treat fungal infections, such as blastomycosis and aspergillosis. It is also used to treat yeast infections, but it’s important to remember that FDA linked Sporanox to liver failure.

Sporanox is not available without a prescription, so it will need to be prescribed by your doctor. To learn about the dangers of Sporanox, talk to your doctor. If this prescription is not for you, your doctor may be able to recommend something that is more appropriate.

Creams and suppositories

Many yeast infection medications available over the counter come in the form of creams and suppositories. Creams are generally applied to the surface of the vagina. Suppositories, however, are inserted into the vaginal opening.

According to WebMD, both over the counter and prescription medications are effective in treating yeast infections, but over the counter creams and suppositories are generally safer, and don’t have as many side effects as their pill counterparts.

When it comes to treating a vaginal yeast infection, your best bet is to stick with an over the counter medication. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have other unusual symptoms, you should call your doctor to get appropriate care.