Pills for Yeast Infection Prevention
Yeast is a common fungus found in everyone and is a part of the body's natural flora. When conditions are just right, for example, hot, moist, and dark, this fungus can grow out of control and cause a variety of health problems. There are more than 20 species of candida (yeast) according to emedicinehealth.com. The most common is candida albicans. Fortunately, there are medications out there to help prevent yeast infections.
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Characteristics of yeast
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A person can develop yeast overgrowth/infection in their mouth (thrush), genitals (both male and female), in the folds of the skin, diaper area, scalp, underarms and even in the intestines.
Risk Factors
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Not only does yeast flourish in moist, dark and warm areas, antibiotic use, especially long term, can kill of the good bacteria in our system which allows the overgrowth of the bad bacteria.
People with weakened immune systems and autoimmune disease are at an increase risk for developing a yeast problem.
Birth control pills can also cause yeast problems. According to the Immune Enhancement Project (IEP), oral contraceptives decrease the acidity of the vagina and allow for sugar to be stored in the cells.
The IEP also reports that diet plays a role. Excessive consumption of starchy, sugary foods and foods that are fermented or contain yeast, can contribute to the yeast in your system. Therefore, to help prevent yeast problems, people with the above risk factors are encouraged to adopt a diet that limits products that are fermented, sugary or contain yeast.
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Nystatin
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Nystatin is prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment and prevention of all kinds of yeast infections, including vaginal and intestinal. It is available as liquid, powder, capsules, tablets and topical products. According to information posted on DIOne, a medical management system used by hospitals, Stevens Johnson Syndrome has been reported in at least one patient receiving Nystatin. Other side effects, though rare, have included gastrointestinal upset, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The recommended length of treatment is 14 days but can be longer (DIOne).
Nystatin is also marketed under the following names: Bio-Statin, Mycostatin, Mycostatin Pastilles, Nilstat and Nystat-Rx.
Diflucan (fluconzanole)
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Diflucan (fluconazole) is an antifungal antibiotic approved by the FDA to treat and prevent yeast and is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections (DIOne). It is only available with a prescription.
Vaginal infections are typically treated with one pill (drugs.com).
Reported side effects are nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, flu symptoms (fever, chills and body aches), darker than normal urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, and convulsions.
Less serious side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, unpleasant taste in mouth, skin rash with or without itching.
Tips for Prevention
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It may help to adopt a diet low in sugar, starches and yeast in addition to using one of the prescription drugs above. Wearing loose clothing and cotton blends are a wise idea as well.
Make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all drugs you are currently taking, including herbals and supplements, to help avoid any possible interactions.
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