Can you take antibiotics for yeast infections?

In this article:

• Can antibiotics treat yeast infections?
• Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?
• What should you take for a yeast infection?
• Yeast infection prevention
• When to see a doctor

In this article

• Can antibiotics treat yeast infections?
• Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?
• What should you take for a yeast infection?
• Yeast infection prevention
• When to see a doctor

There is a common misconception that antibiotics can treat vaginal yeast infections, despite being primarily intended for certain types of bacterial infections. However, this medication can trigger the overgrowth of yeast, which is why antifungals are the recommended medications for treating yeast infections. 

Can antibiotics treat yeast infections?

No, antibiotics cannot treat vaginal yeast infections. This medicine can actually cause the fungal infection to develop. “A type of fungus causes yeast infections—most commonly Candida albicans—and antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, not fungi,” explains Gail Clifford, MD, MMM, CPE, FACP, FHM, a board-certified hospitalist and medical consultant at ARRC LED in Orlando, Florida. “So, when someone takes an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, it might disrupt the body’s natural balance and allow yeast to grow more freely, making the infection worse, not better.”

So, where does this misconception come from? According to Dr. Clifford, many vaginal infections share similar symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or itching, and some people assume that if antibiotics can work for one infection, it can work for another. “Also, many people have been prescribed antibiotics for bacterial vaginal infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the past, so it is easy to see how the lines get blurred,” she says.

Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?

Many people assume you can use antibiotics like amoxicillin for yeast infections, but these medications can actually trigger the fungal infection. According to Anthony Febres-Aldana, MD, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health in San Antonio, Texas, antibiotics can disrupt the body’s normal flora, which in turn affects overall health. “This creates the opportunity for some fungi to overgrow and take the space otherwise used by healthy bacteria,” he explains. “A common example in women is the overgrowth of Candida in the vagina that follows the use of antibiotics for a bacterial infection.”

Healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to treat a range of medical conditions, including UTIs, strep throat, sinus infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ultimately, regardless of the medication’s intended purpose, there is a high risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection. 

Antibiotics are not the only cause of yeast infections. Other risk factors include:

• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
• Unmanaged Type 2 diabetes 
• A weakened immune system from HIV/AIDs, certain medications, or chemotherapy and radiation therapy

“Other triggers include wearing tight or non-breathable clothing, wearing damp workout clothes or swimsuits too long, and using scented soaps or douches,” Dr. Clifford says.

What should you take for a yeast infection?

The preferred treatment for a yeast infection is an antifungal medication, which is available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. These medications come as pills, creams, or vaginal suppositories. Some OTC antifungals include Monistat (miconazole) and Gyne-Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Diflucan (fluconazole) is a prescription oral medication used to treat yeast infections.

Here’s a breakdown of each approved medication for yeast infections:

Ways to prevent yeast infections while taking antibiotics

You can lower your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection while completing your antibiotic treatment with the following methods:

• Take probiotics: “One good option is to take probiotics—either through supplements or by eating foods like yogurt with live cultures—to help maintain healthy bacteria levels during antibiotic use,” says Dr. Clifford.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and flush out toxins.
• Avoid douching or using scented hygiene products: Dr. Febres-Aldana says that these products can alter the vaginal microbiome and ultimately lead to yeast growth.
• Wear dry, breathable clothing: Avoid wearing tight underwear, tight pantyhose, or jeans. “Wearing well-fitting, breathable clothing is mainstay,” Dr. Febres-Aldana says. You also don’t want to stay in wet clothing, such as swimwear or workout clothes, for extended periods.
• Avoid hot tubs and scalding hot baths: Hot water is a breeding ground for Candida due to its warm, moist environment. 
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use: Take antibiotics only as directed by your healthcare provider and for the prescribed duration.
• Take vitamin C: Taking this supplement may help boost your immune system, enabling it to fight back against infections like Candida.

If you have recurrent yeast infections throughout the year, please reach out to your healthcare provider to identify the potential causes and discuss treatment options.

When to see a doctor

While vaginal yeast infections are typically treatable at home without medical intervention, you should consult your healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms last more than a few days.
• It’s your first yeast infection.
• You have more than four yeast infections within a year.
• You’re unsure whether you have a bacterial or fungal infection or something completely different.

“You should also see a provider if over-the-counter treatments are not working or symptoms return quickly after treatment,” Dr. Clifford says. “Moreover, for people who are pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system, it’s always safer to have a doctor involved in your care to make sure you are getting the proper treatment.”