Fluconazole mouthrinses for oral candidiasis in postirradiation, transplant, and other patients.
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.
Epstein
Joel B
JB
Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, British Columbia, Canada. jepstein@bccancer.bc.ca
Gorsky
Meir
M
Caldwell
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D015725:Fluconazole