If you have any questions about this information, you can contact the Drugs in Breastmilk team through their Facebook page or on druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.
If you are breastfeeding, you can use creams and pessaries containing clotrimazole and oral single dose treatments of fluconazole. Only a small amount will pass into your breastmilk, less than could be prescribed to an infant for a fungal infection.
Vaginal thrush is experienced by most women on occasions – some more frequently than others. Symptoms are vaginal itching, irritation, soreness and sometimes a cream-cheesy discharge. It can make passing urine painful and sex uncomfortable. Symptoms can occur after a course of antibiotics when all the friendly bacteria as well as the infecting ones are killed off allowing the thrush (Candida) to flourish. It can also occur if your partner has candida on his penis or after enthusiastic sex (often called honeymoon disease!). If you have never had thrush before it is advisable to consult a Doctor to confirm the diagnosis. However, many women self-treat by purchasing products from a community pharmacy. Many people apply live, plain yoghurt vaginally (often on a tampon) as well as eating it or taking acidophyllis capsules. Careful hand hygiene prevents spread to other members of the family. Towels should be kept separate. Avoiding tight jeans and not wearing tights may be necessary with repeated infections. Cotton pants can also help to relieve symptoms.
Medicines for vaginal thrush
You can use any of the following products whilst breastfeeding.
Over the counter products
- Vaginal creams – clotrimazole (Canesten®)
- Pessaries – clotrimazole. (Canesten®)
- Oral treatment – single dose fluconazole 150mg (Difflucan®, Canesten Once®, own brands)
Prescribed products
- Vaginal creams – clotrimazole (Canesten®), miconazole, (Gyno-Daktarin®), econazole (Gyno-Pevaryl®)
- Pessaries – clotrimazole (Canesten®), miconazole, (Gyno-Daktarin®), econazole (Gyno-Pevaryl®)
- Oral treatment – single dose fluconazole 150mg (Difflucan®, Canesten Once®)
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Bibliography
- British National Formulary
- Hale T. W Medications in Mothers Milk
- Jones W Breastfeeding and Medication 2018 Routledge
- Lactmed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
- Martindale, the Extra Pharmacopia 2007
©The Breastfeeding Network. Published Sept 2019. Last amended April 2026.