Master Infectious Disease First-Line Treatments 2026 – Be the Health Hero You Were Meant to Be!

Nystatin swish/swallow is the commonly recommended first-line treatment for oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush. This oral antifungal medication works specifically by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, leading to increased permeability and eventual cell death. Its formulation allows for direct contact with the affected tissues in the mouth and throat, making it particularly effective in treating the localized infection caused by Candida species.

In the context of the other options, voriconazole is primarily prescribed for invasive fungal infections and is not typically used for localized infections like thrush. Oral fluconazole is indeed effective for oropharyngeal candidiasis and can be used as an alternative, particularly in more severe cases or when patients are unable to tolerate the swish/swallow method. Amphotericin B is mainly reserved for systemic fungal infections due to its toxicity and is not suitable for treating localized thrush. Therefore, the choice of nystatin for swish/swallow administration is appropriate given its effectiveness, ease of use, and safety profile for treating this specific condition.