Antifungal Medications

In most cases, fungal infections occur as the immune system of the body becomes weak. Fungi, a plant like micro-organism can't be viewed by the naked eye. Though there are several thousands of fungi species, not all are harmful to humans. Fungus may attack any part of the body, but the most common parts where fungal infections occur are the mouth, nail, skin and the vagina. If untreated, fungal infections can cause serious health problems.

For Thrush

A yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth is called thrush. When the immune system of our body becomes weak, Candida, a type of yeast commonly found in our body, overgrows, forming thrush. The most common areas of the body where thrush infection occurs are the mouth, throat and the tongue. This condition mostly occurs in newborns, babies, or in older people. Thrush is usually nothing serious and can be treated easily.

For the treatment of thrush, there are medications which slow down the growth of yeast. Mostly, medicines that treat thrush are either applied directly or at times, consumed orally. The kind of medicine prescribed would depend on your health, the infection's severity and its recurrence. If you suffer from mild thrush, it can be treated at home. Usually, the treatment involves using antifungal lozenges and mouth rinses.

Oral antifungal medicines are used in severe cases of thrush infection when it spreads to the esophagus. If you are pregnant, your doctor would mostly not prescribe antifungals as you may harm the fetus. If your infection is rare and spreads to the blood stream, oral medicines can be used, but you and your fetus will be at risk.

For Toenail

Fungus infection in the toenail is a common problem faced by several people. Usually, bacteria or fungus develops in the dark areas under the toenail and feeds on the warm toenail. Antifungal medicines for treating it should only be taken after consultation with your health care provider. Some of the most common antifungal drugs for toenail infections include fluconazole and terbinafine. Treating toenail fungus is not a quick process and it takes time to be completely cured. It takes about 6 to 12 weeks and for best results and may take even longer than that.

For Yeast Infections

Initially, it was only after the diagnosis by a health care professional that treatment was prescribed for fungal infection caused by yeast. However, with the advancement of medical science, antifungal medicines are available over-the-counter which includes tablets, ointments and creams. Some of the common antifungals for yeast infection include clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole, terconazole and butoconazole. In case you never had fungal infection or if you are HIV-positive, diabetic, pregnant or you face abdominal pain or if there is a foul-smelling discharge, it is better to consult your doctor. If you are on medicines to cure fungal infection, make sure you complete the course of prescription. In case you begin to feel better within a few days, don't stop taking the medicine, as you may be at the risk of contracting the disease again.

Antifungal Medications Side Effects

If you have been diagnosed with fungal infection, your doctor would give you some antifungal medicines like fluconazole, ketoconazole, Itraconazole or terbinafine. However, be aware, there are some side effects of these medications. Though the doctor knows best, you need to know some of the major side-effects. Here are a few of them:

• Fluconazole is prescribed if Candida, a type of yeast, is the reason for fungal infection. There may be allergic reactions to this medicine. Some of the symptoms of allergic reaction to fluconazole are itching, swelling, swallowing or breathing problems, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• Today, the use of Ketoconazole is very rare due to its low cure rates. There are reports that people using Ketoconazole have again had fungal infection.
• Prolonged use of antifungal drug may damage the liver. If you take these drugs, your doctor would advise you to test the condition of your liver. If you have appetite loss, vomiting or nausea, pale stools or unusual fatigue, inform your doctor immediately.
• Antifungal creams and shampoos generally have no side effects, but there have been reports of itching and irritation in some people.

Thus, fungal infections are the most difficult to treat as it takes time for complete cure. Fungal infection may be caused due to several reasons, the most common being lack of hygienic conditions. So it is always better maintain clean surroundings and prevent the cause of the growth of fungal infections rather than going for those expensive medications.