What are the treatment options for fungal infections?
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Since many fungal infections are caused by commonplace fungi, it is difficult to both treat a fungal infection and prevent it from coming back. Superficial fungal infections are most commonly treated with a cream, but may require some sort of pill. Deep tissue or systemic fungal infections require oral medications. In extreme cases, your doctor may administer medication through an IV for faster treatment and recovery.
Since many fungal infections are caused by commonplace fungi, it is difficult to both treat a fungal infection and prevent it from coming back. Superficial fungal infections are most commonly treated with a cream, but may require some sort of pill.... More -
General: Fungal infections are treated with medications called antifungals. These medications cure the infection by destroying the fungi in the body. Depending on the type, severity, and location of the infection, as well as the patient's overall health, antifungals may be taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or injected into the vein. If a patient is infected with a different type of microorganism, such as a virus or a bacterium, antifungals will not be effective. Antifungals only work against fungi.
Safety: Some antifungal medications that are taken by mouth may cause liver damage. This is because they are strong medications that must be broken down by liver before they can be absorbed into the body. Ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and amphotericin B (Fungizone®, Abelcet®, AmBisome®, or Amphotec®) are the most likely to cause liver damage. Therefore, blood tests should be performed regularly during treatment to monitor liver function. Patients who experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain (especially near the liver), dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) should consult their healthcare providers immediately. These are all signs of liver damage. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), two oral antifungals, called itraconazole (Sporanox®) and terbinafine (Lamisil tablets®), have been associated with rare cases of liver failure and death. Itraconazole that is taken by mouth may weaken the heart and should not be prescribed for long-term use if a patient has a history of heart disease or heart failure.
Antifungal suppositories: Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications that are inserted directly into the vagina as suppositories. Common over-the-counter medications used include butoconazole (Femstat®), miconazole (Monistat 3®), and tioconazole (Vagistat® or Trosyd®).
Topical antifungals: Topical antifungals are medications that are applied to the skin to treat fungal infections. This includes creams, lotions, gels, powders, and shampoos. For instance, a cream called clotrimazole (Lotrimin®) is used to treat candidiasis infections of the vagina, mouth, and skin.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
General: Fungal infections are treated with medications called antifungals. These medications cure the infection by destroying the fungi in the body. Depending on the type, severity, and location of the infection, as well as the patient's overall... More
