CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Candida - oral - Management
How should I treat oral candidiasis in a person who is HIV-positive?
- Admit the person if there is widespread and invasive infection (such as oesophageal candidiasis, which may present with retrosternal pain), or the person is systemically unwell.
- Seek specialist advice before starting treatment if:
- Oral candidiasis is extensive or severe.
- If treatment with fluconazole for a previous episode of candidiasis was ineffective.
- Prescribe oral fluconazole 100 mg for 7 days provided the person is more than 16 years of age, and:
- Is otherwise well, and
- The infection is mild and not extensive, and
- Is not taking prophylactic antimycotic treatment.
- Review after 7 days. If the infection has not completely resolved, consider prescribing a further 7 days of fluconazole.
- Topical antifungal drugs are not recommended.
- Itraconazole, ketoconazole, and amphotericin are not recommended for initiation in primary care.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement