Can you apply canesten cream in the mouth?

Hello, thank you for your question!

The use of oral clotrimazole tablets is common in other countries. However, due to the lack of these, some people turn to the oral cream, as you describe

If you apply the cream to the nipple, for example in the case of a yeast infection in that area, the small amount ingested by the nursing baby is negligible and safe. However, the 1% cream applied directly into the mouth 3 to 4 times a day could be very unpleasant. This is kept as a last resort, usually under medical supervision.

If you think your baby has thrush symptoms, it would be best for him or her to receive a treatment indicated for that purpose, such as nystatin oral suspension, which requires a prescription from a physician or specialized nurse practitioner.

Given your profession, I would suggest that you ask a colleague to prescribe nystatin for your baby, if thrush is identified and diagnosed. It will probably be more pleasant and easier to use than the cream.

I hope I have been of some help to you and I am available if you have any further questions!

Tom Samaha, pharmacist