Vaginal Medicines for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal antifungal medicines are:

• Often available without a prescription.
• Inserted into the vagina at bedtime, and some may also be applied to the genital area (vulva).
• Used with an applicator that supplies the correct amount of medicine. Vaginal tablets and suppositories are also sold with an applicator to help insert the medicine into the vagina.
• Able to be used externally. Yeast organisms can grow on the genital skin. Small amounts of some vaginal creams may reduce symptoms.

Treatment length varies depending on which vaginal medicine you use. Single-day treatments are stronger and more convenient. But you may need longer treatment for a severe infection.

In general, symptoms will diminish before the medicine has completely eliminated the yeast infection. If treatment is discontinued before it is completed, the yeast infection may return. So it is important to complete the full medicine treatment.

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