Oral Candidiasis Treatment — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyOral Candidiasis TreatmentNDEB AFK

Which antifungal medication is the first-line treatment for oral candidiasis (pseudomembranous) in an immunocompetent patient?

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Correct answer: E — Nystatin topical suspension (100,000 units/mL) four times daily for 14 days

Topical nystatin suspension (100,000 units/mL, swish and swallow 5 mL QID for 7-14 days) is first-line for pseudomembranous candidiasis in immunocompetent patients. It is polyene antifungal with minimal systemic absorption. Clotrimazole troches (10 mg dissolved in mouth 5 times daily) are an alternative. Systemic fluconazole is reserved for refractory cases, immunocompromised patients, or oesophageal extension.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016