There are some over-the-counter medicines that is used for treating Candida infection. Several women are accustomed to purchasing over-the-counter medicines as opposed to consulting their physician with their Vaginal Candida infection. Many physicians are prescribing these types of medications to breastfeeding mothers.

Fluconazole is one of the most prescribed medications by Doctors for people who suffer from Candida infection.  This medication is a man-made anti-fungal that is taken orally (in rare cases, this is administered intravenously), and this is proven to be successful in treating yeast infections for both men and women. This medicine prevents fungus from reproducing; however, this does not kill said fungus. In addition, the effect of this medicine may actually take time before it works and it does not eliminate fungus that our bodies need to function.

There are many who can take Fluconazole without experiencing any side effects, this does not mean that there are no proven side effects from taking this medicine. The following are common side effects from taking Fluconazole:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Stomach Pains
• Diarrhea

More severe side effects:

• Extreme Fatigue
• Unusual bruising & bleeding
• Difficulty in breathing
• Appetite loss
• Itching
• Hives
• Flu like symptoms
• Dark urine
• Seizures
• Rash

Note: There have been no proven indications that a breast-fed infant can be diagnosed with Fluconazole if his/her mother is taking Fluconazole.

Another yeast infection medicines that can be taken either intravenously or orally is Itraconazole (with brand name Sporanox), there is no known generic form (name) for this medicine in the market today. This is usually taken orally for about three months. The minimum dosage of Itraconazole is 200 milligram per day; however, for severe case of infection doctors will prescribe as much as 400 milligrams per day. People affected with severe Candida infection spend an average of $1,000 (USD) with this medication alone. It is advisable that this medicine must be stored in room temperature, in an airtight container. Forewarning to breastfeeding mothers, this medicine must be avoided.

Common side effects from using Itraconazole:

• Fatigue
• Rashes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Edema

Severe side effects from using Itraconazole:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Hepatitis
• Liver enzyme elevation

Keroconazole is another type of anti-fungal medicine that is prescribed by most doctors. Again, breastfeeding mothers and children must not take this medicine. Nizoral is its active ingredient.  This medicine can be taken with an empty stomach. This is available in tablets, cream and shampoo. Ensure that you do not mix this with anti-acids, you can take your anti-acids two hours after you take your Keroconazole.

Common side effects of Keroconazole:

• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Headaches
• Itching
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abnormal blood count
• Shock
• Severe depression
• Low blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Impotence

In conclusion, before you ask your doctor for a prescription, ensure that you tell them everything (i.e. current medical condition, medications that you are taking, allergies, etc.). When you start experiencing any allergic reaction from your current prescription, it is advised that you consult with your physician immediately.