Antibiotics Used for Yeast Infections

Most women experience a yeast infection at least once in their life. The symptoms, including itching, burning and discharge from the vagina, can be both frustrating and dangerous if left untreated. Several different antibiotics are effective in treating yeast infections. Many can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy and are usually available in suppository form. Your physician can also offer you prescription medication that can eliminate most yeast infections in just a single dose.

Miconazole

Miconazole is an antifungal medication used, according to the National Institutes of Health, to treat skin and yeast fungal infections. **This product is available over the counter as a cream and as a suppository and is indicated for use once a day for three to seven days, depending on the concentration of the active ingredient.

** This medication comes with an applicator for easy administration. Apply Miconazole in the evening, just before you go to sleep, because it is most effective when administered lying down.

If you are using a diaphragm or condom for birth control, avoid using Miconazole because it can interact with latex products, rendering them less effective.

Miconazole is generally safe but some individuals may experience side effects. These include irritation of the skin around the vagina, abdominal pain, fever and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Clotrimazole

Nystatin Side Effects for Infants

Learn More

Clotrimazole is a prescription medication administered once in the evening for three to seven days.

This medication comes in both cream and vaginal tablet form, which comes with an applicator. If you think you might be pregnant, drink alcohol, or have an immune system disorder, talk to your doctor before taking Clotrimazole.

Side effects of Clotrimazole include irritation of the vaginal area, and signs of worsening infection such as fever and swelling of the vaginal area 1. If you experience any of these side effects, stop using this product and contact your physician.

Tioconazole

**Tioconazole is a prescription antifungal medication that is available as a cream.

** This product should be avoided if you are using any kind of latex-based form of birth control.

Indications for use are a single application of this cream. If you have any allergy to petroleum products, don't use this medication.

Side effects of Ticonazole include an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, itching or hives.

In addition, the yeast infection may be resistant to this medication and you will likely experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea and abnormal vaginal discharge 1. See your physician immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Butoconazole

How Long Does a Yeast Infection Last Without Medication?

Learn More

Butoconazole is prescribed as a cream to be applied to the vaginal area once in the evening before bed 2. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, avoid taking this medication. This product can also weaken latex products, so don't use latex-based forms of birth control such as condoms or a diaphragm when using it.

**Side effects of Butoconazole are generally mild and can include irritation and burning in the vaginal area 2.

** Additionally, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as a fever, abdominal pain or unusual vaginal discharge. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your health care professional immediately.

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is a prescription medication available in liquid and tablet forms. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need to take Fluconazole as a single dose or for several days.

Side effects of Fluconazole may include headache, changes in the taste of food, abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms generally decline over time but contact your physician if they become severe. More severe side effects that can occur when taking Fluconazole are liver toxicity which is characterized by clay-colored stool, pain in the upper right abdomen, itching of the skin and yellowing of your eyes and skin.

Fluconazole can also cause unusual bruising or bleeding and extreme fatigue. If you are having this kind of reaction to this medication, seek medical attention immediately.