Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) is caused by Candida albicans – the same organism that causes vaginal candidiasis and complicates nappy rash. It is common in newborn babies because they can pick up the organism during passage through the birth canal.

Miconazole 2 per cent oral gel

For babies from four to 24 months, apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area with a clean finger twice daily. For children from two years of age and adults, apply four times daily. The gel should be retained in the mouth for as long as possible.

Miconazole gel is absorbed from the oral mucosa and at least part of a dose will be swallowed and absorbed systemically. Miconazole potentiates the activity of anticoagulants, antiepileptics and hypoglycaemic drugs. It has been shown to be foetotoxic, but not teratogenic, in animal studies, and the oral gel should not be supplied in pregnancy without prescription.