Thrush

Thrush Treatment

At 24 HR Pharmacy

Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection of the vulva and vagina, usually caused by Candida albicans. It's not dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable. Typical symptoms include:

Intense itching or burning around the vulva and vagina
A thick, white "cottage cheese"–like discharge that usually doesn't smell
Redness, swelling or soreness of the vulva
Stinging or burning when you pee
Pain or discomfort during sex

See Treatment Options

Your Treatment Options

Fluconazole

Canesten

Compare Your Options

For Thrush (Women's Health) we currently offer two treatments. Both treat yeast (Candida) infections, but they work in different ways and suit different people.

	Clotrimazole Pessary 500mg	Fluconazole Capsule 150mg
Type of treatment	Local vaginal antifungal (imidazole) inserted directly into the vagina.	Oral antifungal capsule (triazole) that works throughout the body.
How it works	Kills the yeast at the site of infection by damaging the fungal cell membrane.	Slows and stops the growth of Candida yeast throughout the body, helping your immune system clear the infection.
How it's used*	Usually 1 x 500mg pessary inserted once at night high into the vagina using the applicator. Single dose.	Usually 1 x 150mg capsule taken once, with water, at any time of day (follow your label). Single dose.
Where it acts	Mainly local – stays in the vagina; very little absorbed into the body.	Systemic – absorbed into your bloodstream, so treats infection from inside.
Symptom relief	Good for clearing internal infection; often combined with an external clotrimazole cream (OTC) for external itching.	Convenient if you prefer a tablet or find pessaries difficult to use. Works for most straightforward episodes of vaginal thrush.
Onset & duration	Pessary dissolves overnight; symptoms usually start to improve over a few days.	Single capsule has a long half-life (~30 hours), so it stays in your system for several days; symptoms often improve within a few days.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding	Preferred option in pregnancy – topical clotrimazole is commonly recommended instead of oral fluconazole. (You'll still be screened first.)	Oral fluconazole is usually avoided in pregnancy unless specifically advised by a specialist. Breastfeeding use is individualised. The prescriber will advise.
Common side effects	Mild vaginal burning/irritation, discharge as the pessary dissolves, rare rash or allergy.	Headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea; rarely liver issues, rash, or effects on heart rhythm in at-risk people.
Key cautions	Avoid if you've had a previous serious reaction to clotrimazole or similar antifungals. Don't use during a heavy period (it may not stay in long enough).	Use with caution or avoid if you have liver disease, kidney issues, certain heart rhythm problems, or take interacting medicines (e.g. some anticoagulants, certain antiarrhythmics or antibiotics).
Who it may suit	If you prefer local treatment, are pregnant, or want to avoid systemic medication.	If you prefer a single tablet, have used it before successfully, or find pessaries awkward to insert.

*Always follow the specific instructions on your dispensing label and patient information leaflet, as your prescriber may tailor advice to your situation.

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Who Is Eligible?

This service is designed for adults in the UK who have symptoms that sound like vaginal thrush and are suitable for short-course antifungal treatment.

You may be suitable if:

You're 18 or over
You have typical thrush symptoms, such as:
- Itching or soreness around the vulva/vagina
- Thick, white, odourless discharge (like cottage cheese)
- Stinging when you pee or discomfort during sex
You've had thrush before and can recognise the symptoms
You're not pregnant, or if pregnant you're suitable for a local treatment only (the prescriber will advise)
You do not have severe underlying conditions (like serious liver disease or major immune suppression) that make oral antifungals unsafe

You may not be suitable for online-only treatment if:

It's better to see a GP/sexual health clinic if:

This is your first ever episode and you're not sure it's thrush
Your discharge is smelly, yellow/green, blood-stained, or you have fever or lower tummy pain (could suggest BV, STI or another cause)
You have recurrent thrush (4+ times a year) – you may need a longer course and tests for underlying causes
You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need tailored advice, especially about oral fluconazole
You have uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or another immune problem
You have known liver disease, heart rhythm problems, or take medicines that strongly interact with fluconazole

Urgent help: If you feel very unwell, have fever, severe pelvic pain, or bleeding you weren't expecting, seek urgent in-person care – don't rely on thrush treatments alone.

Why choose 24 HR Pharmacy

Pharmacist-led: Every request is checked by a UK-registered prescriber against your medical history and current medicines.
Fast, discreet service: Simple online questionnaire, clear next steps, and discreet delivery to your door.
Ongoing support: Guidance on using your treatment safely, plus practical lifestyle tips to help you get results.
Transparent and responsible: We prescribe only when it is safe and appropriate, and we will suggest alternatives if a medicine is not right for you.

Quick Online Consultation

You complete a short, confidential questionnaire covering:

Your symptoms (itching, discharge, burning, soreness)
Whether you've had thrush before and how it was diagnosed
Any triggers you've noticed (antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, tight clothing)
Your medical history and any medicines you're taking

This helps the prescriber confirm your symptoms are likely thrush and decide which treatment is most suitable.

Reviewed by a UK Prescriber

A UK-registered clinician will:

Confirm your symptoms are consistent with vaginal thrush rather than another condition
Check for red flags that might need face-to-face assessment (e.g. recurrent thrush, pregnancy, unusual symptoms)
Decide whether a pessary (clotrimazole) or oral capsule (fluconazole) is most appropriate for you

If online treatment isn't suitable, we'll advise you to see your GP or sexual health clinic.

Fast, Discreet Dispensing & Delivery

A prescription is issued for the recommended thrush treatment
Medicine is dispensed from our UK-registered pharmacy to full UK standards
Discreet parcels: No external product names on the box

2000+ Happy Customers

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Rating 4.9/5