“The most popular varied treatments include vaginal creams and suppositories and oral tablets,” says Dr. Gersh. “Comparing the vaginal therapies to the oral ones, both work fairly well. Unfortunately, there are now resistant strains of yeast that no longer respond well to either therapy.”
6 Best Over-the-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines of 2023
Jennifer Nied has written about health, fitness and wellness for over 10 years. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
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Chris Vincent, MD, is board-certified in family medicine. He is a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
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Three out of four people with vaginas will experience yeast infections at some point in their lifetime. “People become symptomatic when an overgrowth of the organism, typically Candida, penetrates the superficial layers of the skin,” says Barbara Frank, MD, an OB-GYN in Brookline, Massachusetts, and medical adviser to Attn: Grace. Because yeast infections can cause itching burning, and redness, it’s important to have over-the-counter yeast infection medicines on hand.
Reviewed & Approved
Monistat’s 1-Day Yeast Infection Treatment is formulated with 6.5% tioconazole ointment to treat yeast. Vagisil’s Anti-Itch Creme has anti-itch ingredients and provides quick relief.
Yeast infection medications include antifungal cream. However, if the infection spreads to a larger area or you’re one of the few people who experiences them frequently, a doctor’s visit and oral prescription medication may be necessary.
We researched dozens of over-the-counter yeast infection medicines and evaluated them for price, ingredients, uses, and symptoms targeted. Each of the over-the-counter yeast infection medicines chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
What to Look for in Yeast Infection Treatments
Dosage
Dosage instructions are usually printed clearly on product boxes or packaging. However, Dr. Frank notes that you can use dosages depending on the severity of your symptoms. “The vaginal treatment can be for one, three, or seven days depending on the severity of your symptoms,” says Dr. Frank. “Most people tolerate the oral treatment much better, and it has the added benefit of being much cheaper than over-the-counter.”
However, Felice Gersh, MD, OB-GYN, founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in California, and author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track, notes that if you don’t see immediate relief (within one to three days), you should contact a doctor immediately. “Naturally, OTC therapies will not work when the diagnosis is incorrect. Also, OTC therapies will not work well if the yeast is a resistant strain to the medication. When that happens, it’s time to switch to an alternative therapy—whether from the OTC to the oral medication, or the other way,” she says.
Active Ingredients
There are a variety of active ingredients found ineffective yeast infection treatments. “Effective treatment for a yeast infection is typically a type of antifungal,” says Dr. Frank. “Those usually end in -azole, such as fluconazole (for oral treatments) or miconazole (for topical treatments).” She adds that prescription topical medications may also have steroids to help ease inflammation and related discomfort.
Dr. Gersh notes, “Medications that only address the symptoms of burning and itching include the ingredients benzocaine (a numbing agent), resorcinol, and sometimes hydrocortisone (a mild steroid).” She adds, “There is an OTC local anesthetic cream containing benzocaine 5% and resorcinol 2%,” so if you’re looking for something to numb symptoms fast, look for a combination of those two ingredients.
Additionally, “mineral oil is an ingredient that may help as a soothing ingredient,” notes Dr. Gersh. Benzocaine, resorcinol, and hydrocortisone are ingredients that soothe the symptoms.
Form
Here’s where yeast infection medications can get confusing. There are so many different options of yeast infection treatments, including inserts, creams, and oral pills. If you’ve never had a yeast infection before or don’t have any experience taking these medications, something like an insert may be intimidating. If you’re experiencing extreme itch or burning, a cream might sound immediately soothing.
“The most popular varied treatments include vaginal creams and suppositories and oral tablets,” says Dr. Gersh. “Comparing the vaginal therapies to the oral ones, both work fairly well. Unfortunately, there are now resistant strains of yeast that no longer respond well to either therapy.”
Though uncommon, it is possible for men to get yeast infections as well. Dr. Frank says that this can happen “in the glans of the penis (more likely if uncircumcised) or in the groin folds, but it is much less common.” If this is the case, there are certain products for men to manage yeast infection symptoms. Look for products that advertise as relieving “jock itch,” or burning, itching, chafing, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does yeast infection medication delay your period?
Not inherently, but if you get stressed out about it, the stress can delay your period, according to Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, the co-founder and CEO of Pandia Health.
Can you take yeast infection medication if you’re not sure you have a yeast infection?
“I do not recommend it. Your vagina has natural yeast and bacteria that coexist in harmony. You should only use yeast infection medication when the yeast gets out of control. If you use it when the yeast is in harmony, the medication will kill the yeast, and the bacteria may take over, causing bacterial vaginosis,” says Dr. Yen.
Can you drink alcohol while taking yeast infection medication?
You can drink alcohol while using yeast infection medication vaginally. However, if you are using the prescription oral medication for yeast infection (metronidazole), you should not drink alcohol with it. If you do, you risk a disulfiram reaction (nausea, vomiting, etc.), according to Dr. Yen.
Below, you’ll find the best over-the-counter yeast infection medicines on the market today.
The Best Yeast Infection Pills, Creams, and Treatment Options
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- 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
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
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
Cons
- strong dose
- increased irritation for a few hours after using the product, according to some customers
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
Cons
- only helps relieve itchiness and won’t treat a yeast infection
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
Cons
- cream-filled applicators can be messy
- applicators recommended for night use only
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
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
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
Cons
- applicators not prefilled
- longer treatment course
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
Cons
- only 0.42 ounces of product
- full recovery may require multiple tubes
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
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