Treatment for Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants with Thrush

Treatment Options

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends topical antifungal treatment, such as Miconazole cream, to be applied to the nipples/areola after each feeding for breastfeeding mothers with thrush 1
• For persistent or severe cases, oral fluconazole is recommended for mothers, with a maintenance dose of 100-200 mg daily for 14-30 days, as suggested by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that other azole antifungals, besides fluconazole, are not recommended during breastfeeding 3

Treatment for Infants

• The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests oral nystatin suspension (100,000 units/mL): 1 mL four times daily for 7-14 days for infants with thrush, as an alternative to fluconazole oral suspension 2

General Recommendations

• The World Health Organization recommends keeping the affected areas dry between feedings to prevent reinfection 1
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises continuing treatment for at least 7-14 days, even if symptoms resolve earlier, to prevent recurrence 2