ORAL CANDIDIASIS

Cause

  • Caused primarily by Candida albicans

Clinical features

  • Common in immunosuppressed, infants, and after prolonged antibiotic treatment
  • In advanced HIV it can present as intractable oral and oesophageal candidiasis. Angular cheilitis is also common

MANAGEMENT

Oral candidiasis

  • Nystatin tablets 500,000-1,000,000 IU every 6 hours for 10 days (chewed then swallowed)
    Child <5 years: Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 IU every 6 hours for 10 days
    Child 5-12years: 200,000 IU per dose every 6 hours for 10 days

Oropharyngeal candidiasis

  • Fluconazole loading dose 400 mg, then 150-200 mg daily for 14-21 days
    Child: loading dose 6 mg/kg, then 3 mg/kg daily