What is this Canesten Oral Capsule 150mg?

Canesten Oral Capsules are a treatment for thrush in both women and men. It tackles the cause of the thrush infection, usually clearing your symptoms in just two days. Ideal for easing the irritating symptoms of thrush, such as itching and burning sensations, quickly and easily.

What is thrush?

Vaginal thrush, also known as a yeast infection, is a common infection that affects women of all ages. It happens when the balance of good and bad bacteria in your body is disrupted, giving the fungi that cause thrush the time to grow and thrive, causing your infection. When you have vaginal thrush, you may experience the following symptoms:

• White, cottage cheese-like discharge
• Itching
• Irritation
• Stinging or burning sensation when you pee or have sex

How will the fluconazole in this Canesten Oral Capsule treat my thrush?

Canesten Oral Capsules contain 150mg of fluconazole as their active ingredient. Fluconazole is an antifungal, which means it works against the fungi or yeast that cause your thrush. This helps to restore the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria that lives on your body, easing your symptoms and treating your thrush quickly and easily.

Can I use this treatment for other fungal infections?

Although this product is ideal for treating vaginal thrush, it can also be used to treat other fungal infections. Some of the other infections you can treat with fluconazole include thrush in the penis, and athlete’s foot. If you think you have a fungal infection and are unsure what the best treatment would be for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can I use this treatment if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use this Canesten Oral Capsule. If you have thrush during pregnancy or when you’re breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can I use this product if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Do not take the Canesten Oral Capsule if you are already taking:

• Astemizole or terfenadine, which are used to treat allergies
• Cisapride, which is used for stomach problems
• Pimozide, which is used to treat mental problems
• Quinidine, which is used to treat heart arrhythmia
• Erythromycin, which is an antibiotic

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are taking:

• Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, such as warfarin
• Sulphonylureas, which are used to control diabetes
• Hydrochlorothiazide, which is used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure
• Benzodiazepines, which are tranquilisers
• Phenytoin or Carbamazepine, which are used to control epilepsy
• Rifampicin or Rifabutin, which are antibiotics
• Ciclosporin, Sirolimus, Tacrolimus, or Tofacitinib, which are used to reduce the immune response
• Theophylline, which is used to control asthma
• Zidovudine or Saquinavir, which are used to treat HIV
• Losartan, which is used to reduce blood pressure
• Alfentanil, Fentanyl, or Methodone, which are used to treat pain
• Halofantrine, which is used to treat malaria
• Amiodarone or Nortriptyline, which are antidepressants
• Ivacaftor, which is used to treat cystic fibrosis
• Statins, e.g. Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin
• NSAIDs, e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, meloxicam, naproxen
• Olaparib, which is used to treat ovarian cancer

Can I use other thrush treatments at the same time as this oral capsule?

If you’re using fluconazole capsules like this one to treat your thrush, you may also be able to use an antifungal cream (such as clotrimazole) to ease your symptoms. However, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any 2 medications at the same time, to make sure that the combination is both safe and suitable for you.

Can I drive after taking this product?

You may feel dizzy after taking this treatment. If this happens to you, do not attempt to drive or use tools or machinery until you are sure that you are safe to do so.

How to take this capsule

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. You can take the capsule with or without food. You usually only need to take one dose to treat your infection, but if you do not see any improvement after 7 days or your thrush comes back you should speak to your doctor.

Can I buy Canesten thrush oral capsules over the counter?

You do not need a prescription for Canesten thrush oral capsules, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.

When should this thrush oral capsule not be used?

Canesten Oral Capsules are not suitable for use in children under the age of 16 or adults over the age of 60. Do not use this product if you are allergic to fluconazole, any other vaginal antifungal products, or any of the other listed ingredients. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you:

• Are unsure whether you have thrush, or you have had these symptoms for the first time
• Have had thrush more than twice in the past 6 months
• Or your partner has ever had an STD
• Have had any disease or illness affecting the liver or kidneys, or have any unexplained jaundice
• Have heart problems, including heart rhythm problems
• Suffer from any other chronic disease or illness

If you are a woman, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or blood-stained discharge
• Ulcers, blisters, or sores on your vagina or vulva
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain or difficulty passing urine
• Fever or chills
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Diarrhoea
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

If you are a man, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if:

• Your sexual partner doesn’t have thrush
• You have sores, ulcers, or blisters on your penis
• You have abnormal discharge from your penis
• Your penis has started to smell
• You have pain or difficulty passing urine

Does this Canesten Oral Capsule have any side effects?

Like all medication, this Canesten Oral Capsule can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop use and seek immediate medical assistance:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, e.g. rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat, weakness, feeling dizzy or faint, nausea
• A Severe condition with blistering and peeling of the skin, mouth, eyes, or genitals
• Liver disorders showing symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools
• Seizures
• Change in heart rhythm or rate

Other side effects you may experience include:

• Headache
• Stomach discomfort, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea
• Increases in blood tests of liver function
• Rash
• Reduction in red blood cells, showing symptoms such as pale skin, weakness, breathlessness
• Decreased appetite
• Sleep disturbances, feeling drowsy
• Fit, dizziness, a sensation of spinning, tingling, pricking or numbness, change in sense of taste
• Indigestion, wind, dry mouth
• Muscular pain
• Wheals, blistering, hives, itching, sweating more than usual
• Fatigue, feeling generally unwell, fever
• Lower white or red blood cell count than normal, showing symptoms such as getting more infections than usual, increased bleeding, blood thinning
• Red or purple discolouration of the skin, which may be caused by low platelet count, other blood cell changes
• Blood chemistry changes, e.g. high levels of blood cholesterol, fats, etc.
• Low blood potassium
• Shaking
• Hair loss
• DRESS, showing symptoms such as skin rash, fever, swollen glands, increase in a type of white blood cell, inflammation of internal organs

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

If you are concerned about an addiction to 'over the counter' medication we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.