Vulvovaginal candidiasis is extremely common. It may be treated with t
opical or oral antifungal medications. Topical therapy is efficacious
and well-tolerated in most women. Oral therapy should be reserved for
rare cases of severe and recalcitrant infection but should not be used
in pregnant women, patients with diabetes or those using concomitant
medications. An understanding of the pharmacotherapeutic characteristi
cs of both oral and topical medications is a vital element in ensuring
a favorable therapeutic outcome.