Over the counter Thrush treatments

[questions]

Are they as effective as prescription ones?

This is only the second time I've ever had thrush -the last time the GP prescribed a one-off pessary that did the trick.

I've used some Canestan cream over the last 36 hrs (we had it left from when DS had balenitis (?)) but thats not doing the job really.

I can't get to the GP without the DC in tow but was aware that you can buy stuff over the counter.

Whats on offer and does it work?

[SpaceNoodle]

Generally the doctor will prescribe what is available over the counter anyway - people who pay the prescription charge often end up scrapping the prescription and buying otc anyway as it is sometimes cheaper this way (depending on the chemist).

Is the cream you are using currently 1% or 2% Clotrimazole? 1% is the regular antifungal that can be used for a range of different things, 2% is specific for treatment of thrush, and obviously stronger than the 1%. You can buy 2% over the counter, canestan do a 2% thrush cream but often you can get cheaper brands.

The pessary used to treat thrush is also clotrimazole, 500mg (I think!), again available over the counter. You can also get an oral tablet, but stick to the pessary if you have had it before?

If you ask for advice at your chemist they should also offer you the generic alternatives to the canestan (which are more expensive) if they have them.

HTH!

[questions]

Just checked the cream and its the 1% one.

I think I'll get the pessary from the chemist then. I seemed to remember hearing that the tablet wasn't always that effective but wasn't sure what was available.

Thanks

[alypaly]

ask the pharmacist for the generic clotrimazole 500mg pessary as its the same as the canestan one but much cheaper. the other thing is canestan vaginal cream as its a stronger %.its 10% and effective. if that doesnt work ask for generic fluconazole capsule and this shud definitely work. The capsule is used if all else fails as it gets into your system rather tha topical. dont pay for diflucan/ canestan once capsules as its really expensive.
also if you are getting it recurrently u shud treat DP too as most men carry the fungus undr their foreskin and are normally asymptomatic( sorry if that was too much info)