Oral candidiasis
Thrush is common in advanced illness and can cause great distress. If thrush is recurrent, look critically at: oral or inhaled steroids, treatment with antibiotics and oral hygiene care. Check a random blood sugar, especially for those patients on oral steroids.
Pharmacological management:
Miconazole gel
Nystatin oral suspension
Fluconazole
- Use if nystatin not effective or a systemic antifungal is required
- 50-100mg once daily for 7 days
- Reduce dose of fluconazole by 50% if creatinine clearance is less than
50mL/minute
- Be aware of potential drug interactions as a result of inhibition of
various cytochrome P450 enzymes by azole antifungals
- Higher doses and longer courses may be needed in immunosuppressed
patients, and patients with more severe infections
- See section 5.2.1 Triazole antifungals
- In resistant cases – seek specialist advice
Mouth ulcers
Herpetic ulceration
Bacterial infection and recurrent aphthous ulcers
Pain
Consider a range of options for symptomatic relief:
- Regular chlorhexidine mouthwash. Avoid if this stings. (see section 12.3.4 Mouthwashes, gargles, and dentifrices)
- Topical corticosteroids and local anaesthetic agents such as benzydamine mouthwash
- Antacid and oxetacaine unlicensed suspension, prescribed by secondary care
- Sucralfate may be of value, prescribed and dispensed by secondary care
- Opioids may be required if pain is severe
- Topical oral salicylates e.g. Bonjela are available to purchase OTC and may provide symptomatic relief