Oral thrush occurs when the fungus Candida albicans collects in the mouth and on the tongue. Infants, people who take nasal corticosteroids, people who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation and other people who have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop this condition. For people with normal immune systems, oral thrush is not a significant problem; however, for people with compromised immune systems, thrush can become a more serious systemic problem.
Nystatin
Nystatin is one medication that can be used to treat oral thrush, according to MayoClinic.com. This medication is available in tablet or suspension forms; the tablet or lozenge can dissolve on the tongue and the suspension can be swished around the mouth to treat the thrush. The side effects with this medication include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Nystatin does not treat Candida albicans infections of the blood.
Clotrimazole
The antifungal medication clotrimazole is another medication that can be used to treat oral thrush after radiation therapy. This medication is available in a lozenge as well and should be allowed to dissolve completely in the mouth, according to MayoClinic.com. Children younger than 3-years of age may be too young to take this form of medication. The side effects of clotrimazole include diarrhea, itching and nausea and vomiting. The patient should complete the entire course of medication as prescribed by the physician because thrush infections are slow to clear.
Fluconazole
Fluconazole can be used to treat patients with oral thrush; it can also be used to prevent development of thrush in patients who undergo radiation therapy. Fluconazole is available in oral and IV or intravenous forms; the oral medication can be taken at home by the patient but the IV form must be administered by a nurse or physician. This medication may cause liver problems, severe allergic reactions or irregular heartbeats for which the doctor will monitor the patient closely.
Amphotericin B
If other medications to treat oral thrush are not effective, the medicine amphotericin B can be used. Amphotericin B is available in both oral and IV forms. Since this medication can cause systemic reactions at the time of administration, the doctor or nurse needs to observe the patient while the medication is being given and give acetaminophen or corticosteroids if needed, according to the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Amphotericin B can also cause kidney problems so renal function should be monitored as well.
