Canesten oral thrush capsule 150mg

Canesten Oral Capsule is a single fluconazole 150mg capsule that treats vaginal thrush from the inside, classed as a pharmacy (P) medicine for adults aged 16 to 60, supplied by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• Women aged 16 to 60 who recognise vaginal thrush from a previously diagnosed episode and prefer an oral capsule to a pessary
• People treating a partner who has penile thrush alongside their own treatment
• People who want a single-dose, swallow-and-go option rather than an internal treatment

Not suitable for: anyone who is pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding; first-ever episodes (see a doctor or pharmacist first); people under 16 or over 60 without advice; and anyone taking other medicines (other than the contraceptive pill) without checking — fluconazole can interact with several medicines. Do not use if allergic to fluconazole or to lactose intolerance issues without advice (the capsule contains lactose).

How to use

1. Read the enclosed patient information leaflet before taking the capsule.
2. Make sure your contact details are correct, as the pharmacy may phone to confirm the medicine is suitable for you.
3. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
4. Symptoms usually start to ease within a few days; you do not normally need a second capsule.
5. If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or return, see your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Canesten fluconazole capsule take to work?

Fluconazole starts working soon after you take it, and many people notice symptoms easing within one to three days. The full effect can take a few days more. If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see your doctor.

Do I need to speak to the pharmacist before I get it?

Fluconazole 150mg is a pharmacy medicine, so Ways Pharmacy may contact you by phone to ask a few questions and confirm it is suitable. Please make sure your contact details are correct so your order is not delayed.

Can I take the capsule in pregnancy?

No. Do not use this capsule if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor, who can recommend a suitable thrush treatment for you.

Can I take it with other medicines?

Fluconazole can interact with several medicines, including some blood thinners and other prescription treatments. Tell the pharmacist about any medicine you take other than the contraceptive pill before using this capsule.

Should I use a cream as well?

You can use an external clotrimazole cream alongside the capsule to ease itching and soreness around the vulva. The capsule treats the infection internally, while the cream relieves the external symptoms.

Safety and storage

• This is a pharmacy medicine — do not use if pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
• See a doctor before use if this is your first episode, if you are under 16 or over 60, or if you have had more than two episodes in six months.
• Tell the pharmacist about any other medicines you take, as fluconazole can interact with them.
• If symptoms persist for more than 7 days or recur, see your doctor.
• Refer to the patient information leaflet for storage, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

References

• NHS — Thrush in men and women
• Canesten Oral Capsule Patient Information Leaflet (emc)
• Report a side effect — MHRA Yellow Card Scheme

This page provides factual information about a pharmacy medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. Supply may depend on a pharmacist confirming the medicine is suitable for you. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.