Canesten Thrush & Antifungal Treatments

Canesten treats thrush and fungal skin infections with clotrimazole, an antifungal that stops the yeast or fungus from growing. For vaginal thrush there is the single-dose Canesten 500mg Pessary for the internal infection and Canesten Thrush Cream 2% for external itching. Canesten Combi puts the two in one pack. For athlete's foot, ringworm and fungal sweat or nappy rash, Canesten Cream 1% comes in 20g and 50g tubes. The range also includes Canespro for fungal nails and the CanesMeno menopause range. Not sure which you need? See our thrush treatment guide.

Which Canesten product do I need?

Internal vaginal thrush: Canesten 500mg Pessary. One pessary is the full course.
External itching and soreness: Canesten Thrush Cream 2%.
Both together: Canesten Combi, a 500mg pessary plus 2% external cream.
Athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal sweat rash or nappy rash: Canesten Cream 1%. Keep using it for at least 2 weeks, even once the skin looks better.
Fungal nail infection: Canespro Fungal Nail Treatment Set.

Frequently asked questions

When should I see a doctor instead of treating thrush myself?

See your doctor if it is your first episode or you are unsure it is thrush, if you have had more than two episodes in the last six months, if you are under 16 or over 60, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby. See them too if you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection, or if you have abnormal bleeding, a blood-stained or foul-smelling discharge, ulcers, blisters or sores, pain passing urine, lower tummy pain or a fever.

Does Canesten affect condoms?

Yes. Clotrimazole damages latex. Condoms and diaphragms may not work properly during treatment and for at least five days afterwards, so use another form of contraception.

Can I use Canesten during my period?

Don't use the pessary or Combi during your period. Wait until it has finished.

What is the difference between Canesten Cream 1% and Thrush Cream 2%?

Both contain clotrimazole. The 1% cream treats fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. The 2% Thrush Cream is for the external itching and soreness of vaginal thrush. The cream inside Canesten Combi is also 2%.

Can I use Canesten if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Don't use the pessary or Combi in the first three months of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, use them only on the advice of your doctor or midwife, and tell them you are pregnant, as the applicator is not advised during pregnancy. Use the creams in pregnancy or while breastfeeding only under their supervision. The Irish Combi leaflet advises stopping breastfeeding during treatment.

Can I buy oral thrush capsules (fluconazole) online?

No. In Ireland, oral fluconazole for thrush is a prescription-only medicine. We stock the over-the-counter Canesten pessaries, creams and Combi packs, and your GP can prescribe fluconazole if it suits you better.

Will my order be discreet?

Yes. All orders are sent in plain packaging, and our pharmacists can answer questions confidentially through the chat on our website.

Reviewed by Paul O'Hea, MPSI (PSI reg. 8772). Last reviewed October 2026. Always read the patient information leaflet. If you have any questions, you can submit them through the chat on our website and ask for a pharmacist to review.