Yeast infection medications include antifungal cream. However, if the infection spreads to a larger area or you’re one of the few people who experiences them frequently, a doctor’s visit and oral prescription medication may be necessary.
We researched dozens of over-the-counter yeast infection medicines and evaluated them for price, ingredients, uses, and symptoms targeted. Each of the over-the-counter yeast infection medicines chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
What to Look for in Yeast Infection Treatments
Dosage
Dosage instructions are usually printed clearly on product boxes or packaging. However, Dr. Frank notes that you can use dosages depending on the severity of your symptoms. “The vaginal treatment can be for one, three, or seven days depending on the severity of your symptoms,” says Dr. Frank. “Most people tolerate the oral treatment much better, and it has the added benefit of being much cheaper than over-the-counter.”
However, Felice Gersh, MD, OB-GYN, founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in California, and author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track, notes that if you don’t see immediate relief (within one to three days), you should contact a doctor immediately. “Naturally, OTC therapies will not work when the diagnosis is incorrect. Also, OTC therapies will not work well if the yeast is a resistant strain to the medication. When that happens, it’s time to switch to an alternative therapy—whether from the OTC to the oral medication, or the other way,” she says.
Active Ingredients
There are a variety of active ingredients found ineffective yeast infection treatments. “Effective treatment for a yeast infection is typically a type of antifungal,” says Dr. Frank. “Those usually end in -azole, such as fluconazole (for oral treatments) or miconazole (for topical treatments).” She adds that prescription topical medications may also have steroids to help ease inflammation and related discomfort.
Dr. Gersh notes, “Medications that only address the symptoms of burning and itching include the ingredients benzocaine (a numbing agent), resorcinol, and sometimes hydrocortisone (a mild steroid).” She adds, “There is an OTC local anesthetic cream containing benzocaine 5% and resorcinol 2%,” so if you’re looking for something to numb symptoms fast, look for a combination of those two ingredients.
Additionally, “mineral oil is an ingredient that may help as a soothing ingredient,” notes Dr. Gersh. Benzocaine, resorcinol, and hydrocortisone are ingredients that soothe the symptoms.
Form
Here’s where yeast infection medications can get confusing. There are so many different options of yeast infection treatments, including inserts, creams, and oral pills. If you’ve never had a yeast infection before or don’t have any experience taking these medications, something like an insert may be intimidating. If you’re experiencing extreme itch or burning, a cream might sound immediately soothing.
“The most popular varied treatments include vaginal creams and suppositories and oral tablets,” says Dr. Gersh. “Comparing the vaginal therapies to the oral ones, both work fairly well. Unfortunately, there are now resistant strains of yeast that no longer respond well to either therapy.”
Though uncommon, it is possible for men to get yeast infections as well. Dr. Frank says that this can happen “in the glans of the penis (more likely if uncircumcised) or in the groin folds, but it is much less common.” If this is the case, there are certain products for men to manage yeast infection symptoms. Look for products that advertise as relieving “jock itch,” or burning, itching, chafing, etc.
Below, you’ll find the best over-the-counter yeast infection medicines on the market today.
Price at time of publication: $16
Price at time of publication: $40
While not proven, they may relieve a range of yeast infection symptoms including itching, burning, and irritation without any mess. They may also work to prevent future yeast infections.
Because it’s a homeopathic product, it’s not evaluated or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so be sure to consult a medical professional before starting a supplement regimen.
Price at time of publication: $13
Price at time of publication: $10
Most customers reported the product worked better than other antifungals they’ve previously tried and calmed itching instantly. The active ingredient is clotrimazole, which research shows is effective at fighting infections caused by yeast and certain bacteria.
Price at time of publication: $16
This antifungal cream is marketed for a general jock itch, but reviewers say it relieves itching, burning, and other symptoms of yeast infections. It’s tough on yeast and other fungi, yet gentle enough for use around the groin. The active ingredient is 1% clotrimazole, which is a strong antifungal. Reviewers also note it worked quickly to cure symptoms and wasn’t bothersome at all.
Price at time of publication: $10
If you suspect your condition is not being treated, you may be immune to the antifungal or it’s another issue that’s not a yeast infection. These can include a sexually transmitted infection (previously commonly called a “sexually transmitted disease,” or STD, although referring to infections is a more general term that also covers asymptomatic cases), bacterial vaginosis, or something else. “Self-diagnosis of yeast infections is not great,” says Dr. Frank. “Your yeast infection should start to improve after a few days of treatment. If you complete treatment and you are still uncomfortable or if your symptoms worsen significantly, you should call your doctor. The good news is if it is a yeast infection, the cure rates exceed 90%.”
If symptoms persist, see a medical professional for diagnosis and prescription treatment.
“Serious allergic reactions aren’t common, but if you do experience symptoms, make sure to get medical help right away. These types of symptoms include severe dizziness, trouble breathing, rash, and itching/swelling (specifically in the throat, tongue, or face).” — Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, the co-founder and CEO of Pandia Health, the only women-founded, women-led, doctor-led birth control delivery service
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
Additional reporting to this story by Brittany Leitner
As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.
