Antifungal Lozenges: What They Are and How They Work
When you’ve got a white coating on your tongue, a sore throat that won’t quit, or a metallic taste that won’t go away, it might not be a cold—it could be oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast overgrowth in the mouth and throat. Also known as candidiasis, this condition is common in people using inhalers, wearing dentures, or taking antibiotics. Antifungal lozenges, medicated tablets designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth to target fungal infections directly at the site, are one of the most straightforward ways to treat it.
These lozenges work by releasing antifungal agents like nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole right where the infection lives. Unlike pills that travel through your system, lozenges sit in your mouth, bathing the affected areas in medicine for hours. That’s why they’re so effective for localized infections. People on steroid inhalers for asthma or COPD often get thrush because the spray leaves residue in the throat—lozenges clean that up without needing a full course of pills. They’re also used after antibiotics wipe out good bacteria, letting yeast take over. If you’ve ever felt like your mouth is coated in cotton, and swallowing hurts, antifungal lozenges are usually the first thing a doctor recommends.
Not everyone needs them. Healthy people rarely get oral thrush. But if you’re over 65, diabetic, have a weak immune system, or wear partial dentures, your risk goes up. And if you’ve tried rinsing with salt water or brushing harder and nothing helps, it’s time to consider a lozenge. They’re not for every sore throat—viruses and bacteria need different treatments. But when it’s yeast, these little tablets can clear it up in days.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world comparisons, safety tips, and stories from people who’ve used antifungal lozenges—and what worked, what didn’t, and why. You’ll see how they stack up against gels, rinses, and pills. You’ll learn when to push past the discomfort and when to call your doctor. And you’ll get clear, no-fluff advice on how to use them right so they actually work.