What Is the First-Line Treatment of Oral Candidiasis?
Clinical Scenario
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of the oral mucosa. This protocol addresses the recommended first-line management of uncomplicated oral candidiasis.
Treatment Approach
First-line management combines structured daily oral hygiene — covering the teeth, buccal cavity, tongue, and dentures — with a course of topical antifungal therapy. More than one topical antifungal option exists to accommodate individual patient tolerability.
The complete regimen, including specific agents, duration, and sequencing, is available in the full protocol below.
Treatment Goal
Resolution of oral candidiasis by two weeks of topical antifungal therapy.
References
DOI: 10.1136/pmj.78.922.455
- Oral hygiene and topical antifungals are usually adequate for uncomplicated oral candidiasis.
- Topical antifungal therapy is the recommended first line treatment for uncomplicated oral candidiasis and where systemic treatment is needed topical therapy should continue as this reduces the dose and duration of systemic treatment required.
- Nystatin is the most widely used topical agent for the treatment of oral candidiasis.
- Clotrimazole troche can be an alternative for those patients who find nystatin suspensions unpalatable.
- Topical antifungals given for two weeks are usually effective.
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