Pediatrics

Thrush treatment online: prescription thrush meds available

Our board-certified primary care doctors are available today to diagnose and treat thrush (oral candidiasis). Book an appointment to discuss getting a new prescription or refilling an existing one. Same-day appointments are available.

Learn how to take preventive measures Antifungal medication available with prescription Complete full course for effective results

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of thrush, and not all mouth and throat symptoms that look like thrush are thrush. Our primary care telehealth physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person diagnosis and/or treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Oral thrush in babies, children and adults

Thrush is a type of fungal (yeast) infection. Oral thrush most commonly occurs in the mouth and is also known as oral candidiasis. Overgrowth of the yeast species called candida causes discomfort and symptoms. Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it's more likely to occur in younger children and older adults.

In the mouth, candidiasis starts as a growth that resembles cottage cheese, coating the cheeks, tongue and throat. If left unchecked, oral thrush can spread to the other parts of the body, such as the gums, tonsil, throat, and esophagus.

Thrush can quickly become irritated, leading to mouth pain, redness, and soreness. Oral thrush is highly treatable in healthy adults, but for people with weakened immune systems, it may be more difficult to control.

Common causes of oral thrush

Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of the yeast species called Candida albicans. Normally, the immune system works to maintain a balance between microbes in the body. Sometimes, when the body can't manage the balance, "bad" microbes grow out of control, and the overgrowth of Candida can lead to a fungal infection.

Several factors can also increase your risk of oral candidiasis (oral Candida infection), such as a weakened immune system, use of dentures, chronic dry mouth, use of antibiotics and steroids, and other oral conditions.

Symptoms of thrush in the mouth and throat

Most people develop oral candidiasis symptoms suddenly. The most common symptom of oral thrush is raised white lesions in the mouth. Lesions can also appear on the roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, on your gums, or on the back of your throat.

Other symptoms of thrush include:

Redness and irritation inside your mouth
White patches that can be wiped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed
Cracking around the corners of your mouth
A loss of the ability to taste or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
A dry sensation or burning feeling in your mouth

If the infection spreads to your esophagus (esophageal candidiasis), you may also experience throat pain and difficulty swallowing. People who smoke and wear dentures are more prone to developing oral thrush.

How to treat thrush (oral candidiasis)

Thrush is commonly treated with antifungal medications. In most cases, you'll need to take antifungal medication for 10–14 days to clear up oral thrush. Your doctor will choose the best method to treat mouth thrush depending on your age, specific symptoms, and the underlying cause of your oral candidiasis.

Oral candida infections may also indicate other medical conditions, which may require additional medical treatment. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to determine the best treatment approach to treat oral thrush.

Thrush medication

The most commonly prescribed medications to treat mouth thrush are:

Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)

Lozenges (clotrimazole)

Other antifungal medicines

Fluconazole (Diflucan) Sporanox (itraconazole)

Miconazole

How to prevent thrush

It's possible to prevent oral thrush by following preventive measures, such as:

Practicing good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Avoiding certain mouthwashes or sprays. Perfumed mouthwashes can disrupt the balance of "good" and "bad" microbes in your mouth and throat.
Visiting your dentist for regular six-month cleanings.
Reducing the sugar and yeast-containing foods in your diet.

Smoking can exacerbate Candida infections. If you need help quitting smoking, our board-certified primary care doctors can help you to develop a treatment plan.

Thrush treatment FAQs

How long does thrush take to be cured?

Thrush should clear up within 7–14 days of starting antifungal treatment. Even if your symptoms improve, it's important to follow the full course of treatment as recommended by your health care provider.

Does stress cause thrush?

Yes, stress can cause oral thrush. When illnesses, stress, or medications disturb the balance of Candida fungus, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.

What can aggravate thrush?

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, prednisone, and inhaled corticosteroids, can disrupt the "good" and "bad" balance of microbes in the body, leading to the overgrowth of Candida.

Other oral conditions that can aggravate thrush include:

Wearing dentures, especially upper dentures
Conditions that cause dry mouth, such as diabetes and cigarette smoking

Who can get thrush?

Anyone can get thrush, but certain people are more prone to getting the infection. These people include:

Older adults
People taking antibiotics
People who take inhaled steroid medicines
People with weak immune systems (immunocompromised)
Infants

What should you not do if you have thrush?

After developing oral thrush, you should avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gels, and other products that can irritate your skin. It's best to avoid having sex until you've completed a course of antifungal treatment and your infection has cleared up.

Is thrush contagious?

Oral thrush is not contagious in healthy people. In healthy people, it is unusual to contract thrush from person to person. If you have a weakened immune system, however, it can be contagious and passed on by kissing or other close contacts.

In most cases, thrush is not considered contagious but can be transmitted when you have a weak immune system or are taking certain types of medications.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection specific to that person and can be treated with antifungal medications. In the event a woman has a vaginal infection caused by thrush, it can be passed onto the baby. For people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, thrush can lead to more serious systemic infections by spreading to other parts of the body.

Step 1

Book a thrush treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your doctor online about your oral thrush symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat thrush, if prescribed

We can send online oral thrush prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

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Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

Cleveland Clinic. Thrush. Accessed on June 15, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10956-thrush
Mayo Clinic. Oral thrush. Accessed on June 15, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.