Category Archives: Antifungal Drug Treatment

Antifungal Drug Treatment, Yeast Infection Treatment

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

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DiflucanAn alternative well-known oral drug for candida yeast infections consists of Fluconazole (Diflucan). I am amazed how many women I have seen who have been prescribed Fluconazole weekly on an ongoing basis to counter vaginal yeast infections, sometimes for years, yet with no further recommendations in terms of dietary or lifestyle modifications. Incredibly, some of these women have taken Diflucan for five years or more, one tablet per week. I have helped many women who have taken this drug, and have found that most all can discontinue its use after a period of eight to twelve weeks, even those who have been taking Diflucan for several years.

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Side Effects

Get hold of emergency medical aid in case you have signs of an allergic response to Diflucan for example hives; difficulty breathing; inflammation of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

These are the more serious side effects of Diflucan, see medical aid if you get any:

  • Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
  • Severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
  • Easy bruising or perhaps bleeding, unusual lack of strength/weakness; or
  • Seizure (convulsions).

More common Diflucan side effects include:

  • Mild stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

In my experience, most doctors would prefer to treat vaginal yeast infections with vaginal tablets or suppositories rather than oral medications. But, saying that, they are quick to prescribe an oral antifungal medication or anti-biotic if they notice little result with the topical treatment. Remember, while vaginal treatment is unlikely to cause these side effects, the same cannot be said of any oral antifungal or antibiotic medications. Be sure never to take Fluconazole if there is any likelihood of becoming pregnant.

This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you have been using this drug and have experienced any untoward side-effects, or if you have been on it for some time, then I would highly recommend an herbal treatment to clean up your liver for at least three to four weeks, because the liver can be affected significantly whilst taking this drug.

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Good Tip: Avoid The Repeated Usage of Drugs

Unfortunately, the use of prescribed pharmaceutical anti-fungal drugs and creams, especially if repeated or chronically used, can only lead to the development of stronger strains of yeast that eventually become drug resistant. Higher dosages or stronger drugs are then required which only escalate the problem even further. Many doctors now no longer use Nystatin or even antibiotics because they only weaken a person’s immune system and can damage certain organs like the liver and kidneys. If you ever treat yourself with any over-the-counter preparations and symptoms continue or recur within two months, it is wise to seek the advice from your health-care professional.

Antifungal Drug Treatment, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Yeast Infection Treatment

Yeast Infection Drug Treatment Chart

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Yeast Infection Drug Treatment Chart

Yeast Infection

Common Symptoms

Medical Diagnosis

Medical Treatment

Medical Prevention
Oral Candida (thrush), affects mouth and throat, especially tongue. Discomfort, burning of mouth and throat; changed sense of taste; creamy white or yellowish patches on mouth or throat. Appearance & Symptoms.  Diagnostic tests are utilized when the infection does not go away after treatment. Mouth rinses (Nystatin, Mycostatin). Lozenges (Nystatin, Mycostatin; Clotrimazole, Mycelex). Capsules (fluconazole, Diflucan 100 mg/day or Itraconazole, Sporanox 200 mg/day) Maintain good oral/dental hygiene. Avoid smoking and excess sugar.Weekly fluconazole.
Vaginal (vaginitis, yeast infection thrush, affects vagina and/or vulva Odorous, white-or yellow, creamy discharge. May be burning, swelling and itching. By appearance and symptoms. Diagnostic tests are utilized when the infection does not go away after treatment. Vaginal creams or suppositories (Clotrimazole or Miconazole). Fluconazole oral tablets. Avoid scented soap, bleach and fabric softeners. Wear loose fitting clothing & cotton underwear.Weekly fluconazole
Throat Candida    Can affect the esophagus (feeding tube) Chest pain, nausea and painful swallowing.Usually occurs with oral candida. Examination of oropharynx; endoscopy; culture and histology (cell). Ketoconazole (Nizoral) 200 or 400 mg/day or Fluconazole (Diflucan) at 200 mg once a day. In the event that several cases has occurred, fluconazole preventive treatment may be warranted.
Skin Yeast Infections (usually affects skin in armpits, groin and under breasts) Bright red, uneven eruption in the folds of skin that may be coated with a white membrane; mild burning feeling. By appearance and symptoms. Diagnostic tests are utilized when the infection does not go away after treatment. Creams or ointments applied 2-4 times/day. Products include Clotrimazole Nystatin, ketoconazole, Miconazole, Econazole and Amphotericin B. Keep skin dry.
Systemic Candida (affects organs throughout the body) Can be difficult to diagnose.Common in AIDS patients. Amphotericin B (Fungizone) orally or intravenously.

 

 

Antifungal Drug Treatment, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Yeast Infection Treatment

Anti-Fungal Drug Resistance

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docYeast infection treatments, which fail to respond to conventional anti-fungal drug treatments, have become increasingly reported, just like antibiotic resistant bacterial infections have over the years. There are many people who just don’t seem to respond to the azole class of drugs anymore, such as Fluconazole. This is partly due to the widespread, long-term use of azoles for treating and preventing yeast related health issues.

Medications do have their place at times and are sometimes useful to get rid of first-time yeast infections or major yeast infections, I have noticed that some patients over the years had a successful treatment by their doctor for their yeast infection, and never did the problem recur. But these cases are uncommon, and in most all cases the yeast infection will recur. If you get a recurring yeast infection, then you should seriously consider not using that medication again because it could mean that you are either developing drug resistance, or that you have an underlying problem that hasn’t been addressed. If you use prescription medication every time for a recurrence it means that you are covering up a problem that needs to be fixed. You need to get rid of the yeast problem at its core, the cause needs fixing and not the manifestations of the cause.

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Unfortunately, the doctor’s answer to fungal drug resistance may be to double or treble the dose of what he has prescribed you or alternatively to use a an even more powerful antifungal such as amphotericin B. While this drug is certainly more potent and effective, amphotericin B is considerably more toxic, especially to the kidney. If you are a person with an underlying kidney or liver disease, you will want to avoid the stronger antifungal drugs which result in changes in kidney function tests. Just like a gun with a higher caliber, the stronger the firing power the more likely you will cause more collateral damage.

Recent studies have show that exposure to azole treatment decreases the antifungal activity of amphotericin B. Two other types of antifungal drugs have also been shown to be active against azole-resistant candida yeast infections, they are Voriconazole (Vfend) which showed enhanced activity against fluconazole-resistant candidiasis and another drug called caspofungin (Cancidas) which has also shown activity against azole-resistant strains of candidiasis. No doubt there will be side effects associated with these antifungals as well.

Because of the widespread antifungal drug resistance, taking any pharmaceutical drug to prevent a candida yeast infection is ridiculous and should not be encouraged in my opinion. For example, when fluconazole is used to “prevent” a woman’s yeast infections and then resistance develops, treating any potentially newer and more aggressive yeast infections becomes much more difficult and will often found to be unsuccessful until the drug is discontinued and the kidneys and liver are cleaned up. Azole drug treatments only weaken the body’s immune system and toxify the kidneys and liver, creating many potential additional diseases. It is therefore best never to begin using these azole drugs in the first place, and in most all cases they will not be found to be necessary if the Candida Crusher program is adhered to.

Azole based antifungal drug treatment for chronic yeast infection treatment is certainly not encouraged in my clinic and I have unfortunately seen too many people with recurrent infections who remain on long-term azole therapy to treat and in the hope of preventing yeast infections. In these cases, side effects and drug resistance remains a concern and by the time they see me they still have the yeast infection that has become suppressed, and on top of that present with many side effects from long term drug therapy. There is a better way!

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The Candida Crusher natural approach towards yeast infection eradication is the safest and most effective approach, it is drug and side effect free and will ensure a complete and permanent eradication if followed carefully.

Antifungal Drug Treatment, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Yeast Infection Treatment

Antifungal Drug Side-Effects

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All anti-fungal drugs can have the tendency to give side-effects, ranging from the mild to the extreme. Here are some of the most commonly experienced side-effects.

Topical Treatments

Topical creams and ointments may cause mild burning. Some people are highly sensitive and may have a widespread skin reaction with blisters and peeling. A number of lotions and creams also include a steroid to lessen inflammation which may trigger itchiness, irritation or dryness. Vaginal tablets do not often cause problems, but in a few women they may lead to vaginal burning or itching or skin rash. Some women experience cramps or headaches. Clotrimazole lozenges may cause minor changes in liver function, but this may not require stopping the drug.

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Oral irritation and nausea are rare side effects of Nystatin lozenges. Nystatin oral rinse (Mycostatin) is almost non-toxic, but it may cause gut problems if excessive doses are taken. Stop if you notice any side effects with topical treatments and do tell your doctor.

Systemic Treatments

Side effects for the oral azole drugs are similar, but some studies show they’re more common with Itraconazole. The most common are nausea, vomiting and belly pains. Others include dizziness, drowsiness, fever, diarrhea, headaches, rash and changes in taste. By far the most significant problem is liver toxicity, however this is uncommon and typically reverses once the medication is discontinued. Nevertheless, liver function should be carefully monitored when you commence with any pharmaceutical anti fungal, particularly with ketoconazole, ask for an LFT (liver function blood test). Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for at least six monthly blood tests to assess your immune system, kidney and liver function.

Amphotericin B has many side effects, some quite strong and severe. Therefore, it is only used in cases when there’s a direct threat to a person’s life or all other treatments have failed. Main side effects include kidney problems and low red blood cells, known as anemia.

Others side effects include fever, chills, and changes in blood pressure, changes in appetite, nausea, vomiting and headache. These reactions occur one to three hours after an infusion, are most severe with the first few doses, and diminish with later treatments. Side effects are generally the same with all amphotericin drugs, though some forms of this drug may be slightly less toxic than others.

Antifungal Drug Treatment, Yeast Infection Treatment

Anti-Fungal Drug Interactions

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DiflucanA lesser-known fact is that the anti-fungal drugs the doctor prescribes to you may well interact with other drugs or supplements, and here are the most common drug interactions I have discovered. There will be more clashes with azole drugs and certain drugs prescribed by your doctor, but these are probably the most common ones. Ask your local chemist (pharmacist) or go to your beloved Dr. Google if you are unsure. But should you use a drug or a natural medicine, what choice should you or your practitioner make?

Is your practitioner managing your drug medications appropriately? I have discovered that a considerable number of people have mild to severe adverse drug reactions. Having clarity when a patient really does need a pharmaceutical medication and when their medication is inappropriate is vital knowledge that any clinician must have, whether they are a natural medicine or conventional medicine practitioner.

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Be sure to enquire if you take a drug if there is a natural alternative, and if not then enquire if there are any side effects to be expected and any interactions with the drug and any natural medicines. And thirdly as I have just mentioned, get your blood tested at least twice annually if you take a pharmaceutical drug for any length of time.

1. Antihistamines. If you take an anti-histamine, (terfenadine (Seldane) or astemizole (Hismanal) then you should avoid Fluconazole. This combination may cause serious heart problems.
2. Anti-reflux drugs. Do not combine the anti-reflux drug cisapride (Propulsid) with any of the azole drugs; again, serious side effects like heart problems can occur.
3. Sedatives. Avoid the azole type drugs with the prescribed sedatives triazolam (Halcion) or midazolam (Versed) because this combination may lead to a seriously high level of sedation leading to death.
4. Blood thinners. Avoid Warfarin with the azole drugs; your blood may well clot more slowly leaving you more prone to a stroke, especially if your blood pressure is elevated. Get your doctor to monitor your clotting time if you are on this combination.
5. Oral hypoglycemic drugs. Take great care when combining an azole drug if you have diabetes and take an oral anti-hypoglycemic drug, you will need to carefully monitor and regulate your blood sugar levels otherwise severe hypoglycemia may result (low blood sugar).
6. HIV drugs. There are drug interactions that have been observed including with the azole drugs and HIV drugs, specifically efavirenz (Sustiva), nelfinavir (Viracept) and nevirapine (Viramune).