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• #Yeast infection treatment over the counter full#

Table 2: Examples of OTC Vaginal Antifungal Agents Seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.Refrain from intercourse during treatment with vaginal antifungals.Do not use tampons or douche when using vaginal antifungals.

#Yeast infection treatment over the counter full#

Complete the full course of therapy, even during menstrual flow.Insert antifungal product once daily, ideally at bedtime since lying down may minimize product leakage.Symptoms typically improve 24 to 48 hours after initiation of therapy.Always wash hands before and after application.Examples of key talking points to cover with patients 1 : See table 1 for examples of patients who should not self-treat for VVC. 1 Patients whose symptoms show no signs of improving or worsen, should seek immediate medical attention. Failure to complete therapy for the recommended duration is considered the leading cause of recurring VVC episodes. It is important to remind patients to complete the full course of therapy-even if symptoms appear to improve. Those who are breastfeeding should check with their primary health care provider before using anything over the counter. 1īefore recommending OTC products, pharmacists should assess the appropriateness of self-treatment and evaluate the patient for possible contraindications. 1 Recurring episodes may be an indication of an underlying issue consequently, patients should be encouraged to seek further medical care from their primary health care provider. In women with mild, infrequent, and uncomplicated infections, self-treatment with OTC antifungal therapy is appropriate. Patients should be advised to adhere to the manufacturer directions and ask questions about any concerns. 1 These products provide relief for external vulvar itching and irritation. 1įour nonprescription, FDA-approved treatment options for uncomplicated VVC are butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, or tioconazole are available in vaginal creams, suppositories, or tablets. A tell-tale sign for differentiating C albicans from bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis is the absence of an offensive odor from the discharge. 1 Treatment depends on the severity and frequency of the infections. 1 Some women also develop VVC infections during or after broad spectrum antibiotic treatment or use of systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressant agents, or antineoplastic drugs.

1,3 Factors that increase the chances of developing a yeast infection include uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, highdose estrogen oral contraceptives, and estrogen replacement therapy. Signs of VVC include a thick, white, odorless, cottage cheese-like discharge, normal pH, itching, soreness, and intense burning and inflammation of the vulva. 1 In general, 80% to 92% of infections are caused by Candida albicans, but in the past 2 decades, Candida tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have accounted for 10% of them, which may be due to overuse of OTC antifungals and long-term suppressive therapy with imidazole antifungals. 1 VVC can be classified as uncomplicated or complicated based on frequency, symptoms, microbiology, and response to treatment. VVC is the second most prevalent vaginal infection after BV.

1 Results from a study revealed that 2 of 3 women who self-diagnose and use OTC vaginal antifungals do not have VVC, but rather bacterial vaginosis or another type of infection. 1 Moreover, BV, severe and recurring VVC, and trichomoniasis all require a prescription medication. Prior to attempting to self-treat symptoms, patients should reach out to their pharmacist, gynecologist, or primary health care provider to confirm a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment, especially with OTC products.Īccurately distinguishing the type of infection is critical because many OTC vaginal antifungal products are often used inappropriately when treating mild cases of VVC. And conditions commonly mistaken for a urinary tract infection include ureteral irritation and dysuria due to vulvovaginitis. 1 Noninfectious issues, such as vaginal irritation or pruritus due to allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, are also typical events. The 3 most common yeast infections are bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis. To ensure proper treatment and avoid complications, they should refer patients for additional medical care from their gynecologist or other health care provider if necessary. Pharmacists should be prepared to answer questions about women’s health issues and help their female patients choose the most appropriate and available OTC products. It promotes an overall sense of well-being and confidence in a woman.Ī host of products on the market address many of the issues females face, from yeast infections to the hormonal changes of menopause. Daily feminine hygiene and care is an important part of good gynecological health.