Diflucan contains the active ingredient fluconazole, which belongs to a class of drugs called azole antifungals.
It works by stopping the growth of some types of fungus. It actually stops the fungi from producing a compound called ergosterol, which is a vital component of fungal cell membranes.
This antifungal medicine is used as a single dose treatment for vaginal thrush (an overgrowth of yeasts in the vagina) as well as to treat men who are suffering from thrush.
It was patented in 1981 and came into commercial use in 1988. It is on the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines.
Uses
It is commonly used for treating oral, vaginal, and esophageal fungal infections caused by C. albicans. It can also be used for the prevention of Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy after bone marrow transplantation.
Moreover, it may be effective in treating peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum), urinary tract infections (UTIs), cryptococcal meningitis, and pneumonia.
Dosage
This drug is available as an injectable to be given into the vein by a doctor. It also comes in oral suspension and tablet forms which can be taken by mouth.
Follow your healthcare professional’s orders or the instructions on the label. The dose of this drug will be different for different individuals.
To treat esophageal candidiasis, the recommended adult dose ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg for at least 21 days.
The average assigned dose per day to treat vaginal yeast infections is 150 mg. Because it fights with fungus only through the bloodstream, this medicine can’t be administered topically.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- vomiting;
- severe rash, especially in people with low immunity;
- changes in the way food tastes;
- stomach pain;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- headaches.
Rare side effects may include:
- seizure (convulsions);
- unusual weakness;
- easy bruising;
- red skin rash;
- severe blistering;
- flu symptoms;
- body aches;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- clay-colored stools;
- dark urine;
- loss of appetite;
- symptoms of an allergic reaction such as – swelling of the face, shortness of breath, hives on the skin, or difficulty breathing.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- HIV or AIDS;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- cancer;
- if you are allergic to antifungal medicine (like – posaconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, or miconazole).
- long QT syndrome (a heart rhythm condition);
- heart disease.
According to the FDA, high doses (400-800 mg per day) of this medication may be linked with birth defects in infants whose mothers used this antifungal during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Nystatin
It is an antifungal drug that can be used to treat numerous conditions. For instance, if it is applied to the skin as a topical cream, this medicine can combat fungal infections. It can also be used to treat yeast infections of the mouth.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved it in 1971. There are no brand names for this medicine available in the United States.
It works by binding to sterols in the walls of fungal cells, disturbing the proper function of the cell wall. This will eventually lead to the death of the fungus and an improvement of the infection.
Uses
This drug is indicated for the treatment of yeast infections of the mucous membranes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Because it is not absorbed orally, this medicine is not recommended for invasive fungal infections.
Dosage
Follow the directions on the prescription label or your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Do not use it less than indicated, even if the symptoms have cleared.
It comes as a capsule, tablet, liquid, and soft lozenge. In addition, this medicine comes as a vaginal cream that can be inserted into the vagina.
If your symptoms have not improved after a week of using the medicine, contact your healthcare professional for further advice.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- nausea;
- mouth irritation;
- hives;
- diarrhea;
- vomiting;
- muscle pain;
- stomach upset;
- slow heart rate;
- skin rash.
There are no clinical studies to determine the safe and effective use of this medicine in pregnant women. Additionally, it is not known precisely whether this drug enters breast milk. Hence, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid it.
Some people can experience an allergic reaction, with symptoms including:
- swelling of your lips, face, or tongue;
- shortness of breath;
- hives;
- closing of your throat.
Diflucan vs Nystatin – Which Is The Best Medication For Candida?
Nystatin is more focused on stopping the growth, hence, it is known as a fungistatic medication. Also, it does not pass through the intestinal walls, thus, it remains in the intestines at maximum concentration.
If used simultaneously in both tablets and mouthwash, this medicine will kill off Candida albicans from the mouth to the anus. However, it will not affect any Candida infection outside the gastrointestinal tract.
On the other hand, Diflucan is typically considered to be more of a killing, antifungal agent. It can be used to treat vaginal, oral, and esophageal Candida infections as well as urinary tract infections.
Natural Remedies For Candida Albicans Infections
C. albicans is the most frequent type of yeast infection found in the intestinal tract, mouth, and vagina, as well as the skin and other mucous membranes.
Candidiasis which occurs in the mouth or throat is called oropharyngeal candidiasis or thrush.
Candidiasis in the vagina is usually called a “yeast infection.” Yeast infections are very frequent and affect up to 3 of 4 women at some point during their lifetime.
A vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease since C. albicans is present in a healthy vagina, plus, this condition also occurs in celibate women.
Yeast is found in the vagina of 20 to 50 percent of healthy women and can overgrow if the environment changes. A few factors can cause the Candida population to grow out of control:
- emotional stress;
- having a regular diet high in foods that cause inflammations;
- using oral contraceptives;
- overconsumption of alcoholic beverages;
- using a round of antibiotics. This happens because antibiotics also kill the good bacteria in your vagina which is supposed to keep everything in balance.
Symptoms of Candida infections can include:
- joint pain;
- mild depression;
- recurring yeast infections;
- fatigue;
- vaginal discharge;
- pain during urination or intercourse:
- sinus infections;
- digestive problems;
- brain fog.
Here is a list of alternative remedies:
#1 Boric Acid
It is a potent antiseptic that can be used to treat yeast infections that are resistant to antifungal medicines.
Note – a pregnant woman should not use it vaginally.
#2 Tea Tree Oil
Known for its effective antibacterial and anti-viral properties, tea tree essential oil is used to treat yeast infections. For this, just place a few drops of tea tree oil on a natural tampon and insert into the vagina for about 4 hours.
Note – extreme caution is a must when using tea tree essential oil, as it can irritate the vaginal walls.
#3 Coconut Oil
It has powerful antifungal properties which can kill the fungi responsible for yeast infections. This happens because of its caprylic acid and lauric acid content.
Note – consuming 3.5 tbs of organic extra virgin coconut oil per day has shown positive results. If you don’t treat yourself for Candida infection (for a short amount of time), avoid using coconut essential oil internally since it can increase your chance of a cardiovascular disease.
#4 Cranberries
These fruits contain substances that prevent pathogenic bacteria from adhering to the linings of the human body. It can be used to treat yeast infections as well as to prevent urinary tract infections.
#5 Garlic
It has potent antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition, it increases the human body’s immunity and natural resistance to any type of infection.
#6 Nutrition
Boost your immune system by having a regular diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and spices.
Images credit – @Getty & Shutterstock
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9076817 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10615231