Yeast Infection Products

Yeast Infection Topics

Yeast Infections And Over-the-counter Medications

Canesten is an over-the-counter medication that has been found to be a local treatment for vaginal yeast infections.

There are several types of vaginal yeast infections and numerous over-the-counter medications that can be used to ease the symptoms and possibly cure the infection.

Vaginal thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection of the vagina that causes inflammation (vaginitis), itching, soreness and a white discharge. Products to treat thrush are antifungal agents and come in the form of creams that are inserted into the vagina, usually at night, to treat the infection, and creams to relieve the irritation. One dose antifungals that are taken by mouth are also available.

Canesten 1% cream

Dose: apply to affected area two to three times daily to relieve irritation. Should be used in conjunction with a medicine that is inserted into the vagina to fully treat the infection. Can also be used to treat sexual partner's penis to prevent re-infection.

Canesten thrush cream

Adult dose (16-60 years): apply to the vulva and surrounding area two or three times daily; continue until symptoms disappear. Should be used in conjunction with a medicine that is inserted into the vagina to fully treat the infection. Can also be used to treat partner's penis to prevent re-infection. Adults over 60 years and children under 16 years of age should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

Canesten internal cream

Adult dose (16-60 years): The contents of the filled applicator (5g) to be inserted as deeply as is comfortable into the vagina as a single dose, preferably at night. Adults over 60 years and children under 16 years of age should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

Canesten oral and cream duo

Adult dose (16-60 years): Take the fluconazole capsule by mouth as a single dose. The cream is to relieve irritation and should be applied up to three times a day to the vulva and surrounding area. This medicine can also be used to treat your sexual partner to prevent re-infection. Adults over 60 years and children under 16 years of age should consult their doctor before using this medicine.
General rules on the safe use of medicines

Always inform your GP or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, as certain medicines should be avoided during these times.

Always inform your GP or pharmacist of all the medicines you are currently taking including OTC medicines, herbal products or the contraceptive pill. This will prevent medicines being taken that may interfere with each other.

Make sure you know the name of the medicine(s) you are taking and whether it is the brand or generic name.

Know why you are taking a particular medicine and how to take it. Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Is it best taken at night or in the morning? If you are not sure always ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) or label instructions carefully before taking any medicine, and follow the instructions. If they do not seem clear ask your GP or pharmacist.

Never exceed the dose recommended by your GP or pharmacist or stated in the PIL or medicine label.

Never take a medicine that was not intended for your use, ie was not prescribed specifically for you by your GP or not recommended for you by your pharmacist. Medicines are prescribed or recommended for individuals to meet their specific needs and circumstances. What is suitable for you may be unsuitable for someone else.

Only take medicines for their intended purpose as recommended by your GP or pharmacist.

Be aware of the possible side effects that may occur when taking your medicine. Report any unusual effects to your GP or pharmacist.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not remove the special click-lock child resistant tops off your medicine bottle. They could save a child's life.

Keep all medicine in a cool dry place and away from humid hot conditions. (Medicines should not really be kept in a bathroom cabinet.)

Never remove medicines from their original container and mix different medicines together in one container, even if you know which ones are which.

Never use any medicines after their use-by or expiry date. This date is usually found on the side of the original container. Two types of wording are usually used - Expiry (Exp) Date or Use By date. Exp Nov 2001 means do not use this medicine after November 2001. Use by Nov 2001, means do not use this medicine after 31st October 2001. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.