Maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria helps prevent yeast infections. The Uqora vaginal probiotic supplement is specifically designed to maintain the good bacteria in your vagina. Directions say to take one pill daily.
The Best Yeast Infection Pills, Creams, and Treatment Options
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
How we vet brands and products
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Was this helpful?
- Best for prevention:Uqora Promote
- Best for quick relief:Monistat 1 Combination Pack
- Best cream to relieve symptoms:Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme
- Best combination pack:Monistat 3 Combination Pack
- Best natural treatment:Love Wellness The Killer
- Best during pregnancy:Monistat 7
- Best for people with a penis:Lotrimin for Jock Itch
The itching, irritation, and burning symptoms of a yeast infection can be very uncomfortable. However, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that effectively treat yeast infections, allowing you to skip the trip to the doctor’s office.
This article rounds up 7 of the best OTC products to help manage a yeast infection.
A yeast infection is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Yeast infections can affect any part of the body, but they often occur in the vagina.
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.
Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infections affect up to 75 percent of people with a vagina at some point in their lifetime.
Vaginas typically have a balance of good bacteria and yeast. Usually, the good bacteria keep the balance in check. Under some conditions, the balance can be disrupted, allowing the yeast to grow out of control.
Overgrowth of the yeast can result from:
- antibiotic use
- pregnancy
- unmanaged diabetes
- an impaired immune system
- taking oral contraceptives or undergoing hormone therapy that increases estrogen levels
A vaginal yeast infection causes symptoms like:
- vaginal itching
- inflammation and swelling around the vagina
- pain during sex
- soreness
- redness
- rash
- white or gray clumpy discharge with a cottage cheese-like appearance
Prescription and OTC medications both treat vaginal yeast infections. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, it’s best to talk with your doctor for an official diagnosis.
However, if you’re familiar with the symptoms, you’ll likely be able to pick up an OTC medication to treat the yeast infection.
Talk with your doctor to assess your symptoms and treatment needs if:
- your symptoms don’t go away after finishing treatment
- the infection comes back within 2 months
- you have four or more yeast infections within 12 months
Prescription yeast infection medications can include oral pills, creams, ointments, or gels. Diflucan (fluconazole) is an oral medication usually prescribed as one dose. For a severe yeast infection, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription course.
Other available OTC or prescription medications include:
- butoconazole (Gynazole)
- clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- miconazole (Monistat)
- terconazole (Zazole)
Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.
Most OTC treatments are either topical creams and gels or oral medications. Although they all have the common goal of alleviating symptoms, they tend to work differently.
Yeast infection pills
Yeast infection pills typically require a prescription. The most common oral medication is fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a one-dose pill that effectively treats fungal infections. It damages the cell wall of the fungus that creates the infection, making it harder for the bacteria to multiply.
Yeast infection creams and gels
Creams and gels like Monistat and Vagisil usually work to relieve uncomfortable symptoms like burning and itching. They often go inside the vagina to kill the yeast causing the infection. Some creams and gels come with applicators that help you measure the right dosage.
Yeast infection probiotics
You can take probiotics to reduce the risk of a yeast infection, but they can also improve symptoms if you already have one. The healthy bacteria in the probiotic works to balance out the pH level of the vagina.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an OTC vaginal yeast infection treatment. To compile the list of services below, we considered a variety of factors, including:
- length of treatment
- customer reviews
- type of medication
- price
Pricing guide
Best for prevention
Uqora Promote
Maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria helps prevent yeast infections. The Uqora vaginal probiotic supplement is specifically designed to maintain the good bacteria in your vagina. Directions say to take one pill daily.
Each bottle comes with a 1-month supply of 30 capsules.
Pros
- promotes a healthy microbiome
- has the potential to prevent yeast and bacterial infections, as well as urinary tract infections
Was this helpful?
Cons
- doesn’t cure an existing infection or provide symptom relief
- not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since it’s a dietary supplement
Was this helpful?
Best for quick relief
Monistat 1 Combination Pack
The one-dose Monistat vaginal insert comes with a prefilled applicator containing an egg-shaped suppository, sometimes called an ovule. Monistat 1 is a maximum-strength dose of miconazole nitrate to relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection with just one dose.
The company claims that Monistat 1 “relieves yeast infection symptoms four times faster than the leading prescription pill.”
Pros
- only one dose
- relieves symptoms quickly
- can be used day or night
Was this helpful?
Cons
- strong dose
- increased irritation for a few hours after using the product, according to some customers
Was this helpful?
Best cream to relieve symptoms
Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme
While this product won’t treat a yeast infection, Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme is a cream that helps relieve itching, burning, and skin irritation, common yeast infection symptoms.
In addition to the active medication ingredients (20 percent benzocaine and 3 percent resorcinol), it also contains aloe and vitamins A, D, and E to help soothe skin.
This product also helps block increased odor from vaginal discharge during an infection.
Vagisil also makes a product with prebiotics, which can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria.
Pros
- helps block odor
- provides quick, long-lasting itch relief
Was this helpful?
Cons
- only helps relieve itchiness and won’t treat a yeast infection
Was this helpful?
Best combination pack
Monistat 3 Combination Pack
The Monistat 3-day treatment comes with three prefilled cream applicators and anti-itch cream for external use. A pack like this can make it easy to treat the infection and get relief from external itching.
The applicators are filled with 200 milligrams (mg) of 4 percent miconazole nitrate, and the anti-itch cream includes 2 percent miconazole nitrate.
Pros
- treatment and itch relief in one product
- fast-acting relief
Was this helpful?
Cons
- cream-filled applicators can be messy
- applicators recommended for night use only
Was this helpful?
Best natural treatment
Love Wellness The Killer
- Price: $$
- Type of treatment: vaginal suppository
Boric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used to treat yeast infections. The Killer from Love Wellness is a suppository filled with boric acid.
You can take this product for up to 14 days to balance bacteria and yeast. The Killer can also be helpful against bacterial vaginosis.
Pros
- treats both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis
- helps control odor
Was this helpful?
Cons
- directions are not clear about how long to take the product (the website says between 1 and 14 days)
- no anti-itch ingredients
- boric acid isn’t recommended during pregnancy
Was this helpful?
Best during pregnancy
Monistat 7
Monistat 7 has only 100 mg of miconazole nitrate in each dose. It comes with cream and seven disposable applicators.
Talk with your doctor before using any medications while pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , only topical 7-day therapies are recommended for treating yeast infections during pregnancy.
Pros
- lower dose of miconazole nitrate
- relieves symptoms quickly
Was this helpful?
Cons
- applicators not prefilled
- longer treatment course
Was this helpful?
Best for people with a penis
Lotrimin for Jock Itch
A yeast infection can happen anywhere on the body. People with a penis can apply an antifungal cream to the affected areas without applicators.
Lotrimin Jock Itch contains 1 percent clotrimazole to kill the fungus causing the infection. It relieves the itching, burning, and chafing symptoms of jock itch.
Pros
- provides symptom relief quickly
- easy to apply
Was this helpful?
Cons
- only 0.42 ounces of product
- full recovery may require multiple tubes
Was this helpful?
How fast do yeast infection treatments work?
Yeast infection treatments are usually sold in 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day treatments. Preventive probiotics often have 30 capsules per bottle.
When should I see a doctor?
If you’ve never had a yeast infection, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before you try any OTC treatments.
You should also talk with a doctor if you don’t notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. In this case, you may need a prescription-strength treatment, or you could have a different infection.
Are there any side effects or safety concerns for yeast infection treatments?
Most pills and topical creams come with their fair share of side effects, though they’re not super common. Some side effects include:
- burning
- stinging
- irritation
- redness
- pimple-like bumps
- tenderness
- flaking of the skin
If you’re pregnant, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment since some OTC antifungal creams may cause birth defects.
If you notice any side effects, stop taking the OTC treatment and see a doctor.
Are yeast infections contagious?
Yeast infections aren’t considered to be sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they can be passed to a partner if you have sex without a barrier method.
It’s also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a yeast infection. However, you won’t “catch” a yeast infection from sharing a shower or exchanging saliva with someone.
Yeast infections are common, which makes access to effective treatment important. OTC products can be just as effective as prescription medications for treating yeast infections.
If you experience frequent yeast infections or if your symptoms don’t resolve after completing the full treatment, talk with your doctor.
Ashley Braun, MPH, RD, is a health and wellness writer based in Michigan. Her work helps people understand what affects their health so they can make informed choices to take back the control in their health and wellness journey.
Last medically reviewed on November 23, 2021
Medications for Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside your mouth. It may also be called oral candidiasis.
What Causes Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans (C. Albicans) that is a type of fungus.
C. Albicans is a normal inhabitant of our mouth and usually causes no harm because it is kept in check by beneficial bacteria. Our immune system is responsible for maintaining this balance.
If our immune system becomes compromised in some way or something disrupts the quantities of beneficial bacteria (such as antibiotics), C.Albicans can grow out of control and cause thrush.
Oral thrush is more likely to develop in the very young or very old. Other people who are at risk of oral thrush include those:
- Receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics (these can alter the balance of beneficial bacteria)
- Prescribed oral corticosteroids or prednisone
- Receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer as both of these treatments can damage healthy cells
- With certain nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency or vitamin B deficiency
- With conditions such as HIV, leukemia or other types of cancer that weaken the immune system
- With dentures or injury or trauma to the mouth
- With poorly treated diabetes
- With persistent dry mouth due to disease or certain medications (such as antihistamines, diuretics)
- Who smoke
- With thrush elsewhere (eg, vaginal thrush infections during pregnancy can be passed to newborns during birth).
What are the Symptoms of Oral Thrush?
Initially, symptoms may be mild and not easily noticed. As the infection worsens, creamy white or yellow spots or patches may become noticeable on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, tonsils and sometimes the gums and lips. These patches may bleed if scraped. Other symptoms may include:
- Soreness or burning inside the mouth
- A cotton-wool like sensation in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- A bad taste in the mouth or loss of taste
- The skin at the corners of your mouth may become dry and cracked.
C. Albicans can also spread to other people who come into contact with the infection (for example the nipples of mothers who are breastfeeding babies with oral thrush may become infected), although they may not develop symptoms if their immune system is strong.
How is Oral Thrush Treated?
Oral thrush may be treated using oral antifungals, antifungal lozenges, or antifungal mouthwashes. The infection usually resolves within two weeks.
It is not uncommon for infants to have several episodes of thrush in their first year of life but adults with recurring thrush should see their doctor for further investigations for any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to thrush.
Drugs used to treat Oral Thrush
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Generic name: nystatin systemic
Brand name: Bio-Statin
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.
- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.
Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
