Fluconazole mouthrinses for oral candidiasis in postirradiation, transplant, and other patients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Oral candidiasis is associated with multiple local and systemic factors. Morbidity and deaths, in high-risk patients, may be prevented by recognition and adequate management. Fluconazole is a systemic antifungal medication that demonstrated clinical advantages in rinsing before swallowing. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of fluconazole aqueous mouthrinses to treat oral candidiasis.

METHODS:

Ten women and 9 men diagnosed with oral candidiasis used fluconazole (2 mg/mL) aqueous solution 3 times per day as a rinse and-spit topical treatment. The outcome was assessed after 1 week of treatment.

RESULTS:

Complete symptomatic and clinical relief was noted in 94% of the patients, and a mycologic cure was documented in all but 1 patient. No side effects were reported. Oral rinses with fluconazole suspension may be useful to manage patients with dry mouth or those who have difficulties in swallowing caused by oral candidiasis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Further double-blind studies are needed to establish the optimal treatment regimen and the usefulness of fluconazole mouthrinses in patients with different risk factors for infection.

• Authors: Joel B Epstein, Meir Gorsky, John Caldwell
• Journal: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod) Vol. 93 Issue 6 Pg. 671-5 (Jun 2002) ISSN: 1079-2104 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12142873 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents
• Mouthwashes
• Fluconazole

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antifungal Agents (administration & dosage)
• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Candidiasis, Oral (drug therapy)
• Cranial Irradiation (adverse effects)
• Dental Care for Chronically Ill
• Female
• Fluconazole (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouthwashes (therapeutic use)
• Xerostomia (etiology)