Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream

Canesten Thrush Duo combines one fluconazole 150mg oral capsule with clotrimazole 2% external cream to treat vaginal thrush and thrush of the penis.

  • Single-dose capsule clears the infection from the inside
  • External cream soothes itching and soreness
  • Symptoms usually improve within 2 days
  • No pessary needed
  • Pharmacy medicine, supplied after a short questionnaire

£14.99

Canesten Thrush Duo fluconazole 150mg oral capsule and clotrimazole 2% external cream - pack front
Canesten Thrush Duo pack back - fluconazole 150mg capsule and clotrimazole 2% cream for vaginal thrush

Canesten Thrush Duo combines a single fluconazole 150mg oral capsule with clotrimazole 2% external cream to treat vaginal thrush and thrush of the penis. The capsule clears the infection from the inside while the cream eases itching and soreness on the outside. Buy Canesten Duo online from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy after a short questionnaire, with no prescription needed.

What is Canesten Thrush Duo?

Canesten Duo is a Pharmacy (P) medicine made up of two treatments in one pack: an antifungal capsule you swallow and an antifungal cream you apply. Fluconazole is the same active ingredient as in our fluconazole 150mg capsule; the Duo pack adds the cream for faster relief from external symptoms.

What is Canesten Duo used for?

  • vaginal thrush (vaginal candidiasis)
  • itching and soreness around the vagina (candidal vulvitis)
  • thrush of the penis in men (candidal balanitis)

Only use it if you have been diagnosed with thrush by a doctor before and recognise the symptoms: itching, soreness, and a thick white discharge that usually has little or no smell. It does not treat oral thrush, bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. Read more on our thrush treatment page.

How to use Canesten Duo

  • Capsule: swallow the one 150mg capsule whole with a glass of water, with or without food. One capsule is the full course.
  • Cream: apply thinly around the entrance of the vagina (or to the end of the penis) 2 or 3 times a day, and keep using it until symptoms disappear.
  • Do not swallow the cream or use it inside the vagina.
  • A sexual partner with no symptoms can also apply the cream to the end of the penis 2 or 3 times a day for up to two weeks to reduce the chance of re-infection.

How long does Canesten Duo take to work?

Most people notice their symptoms improve within 2 days. If there is no improvement after 7 days, or symptoms get worse, see your doctor. If thrush comes back after 7 days you may take another capsule, but see a doctor if you have more than two episodes in six months.

Canesten Duo vs a pessary

Some people prefer not to use a pessary. Canesten Duo treats thrush with a tablet you swallow instead, while the cream handles the external itch. If you would rather use an internal treatment, the Canesten Thrush Combi pessary and external cream works locally inside the vagina and is often preferred if you take medicines that interact with fluconazole.

Side effects of Canesten Duo

Common side effects of the capsule include headache, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, and rash. The cream can occasionally cause mild burning or irritation. The capsule may cause dizziness, so do not drive if affected.

Get urgent medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing), severe blistering or peeling of the skin, a widespread rash with a high temperature, yellow skin or eyes, a seizure, or a change in your heartbeat.

Who should not use Canesten Duo?

Do not use it, and see a doctor, if you have abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, blood-stained discharge, sores or blisters, lower tummy pain, pain when passing urine, a fever or chills, sickness or diarrhoea, or a foul-smelling discharge.

See a doctor before using it if you:

  • are unsure it is thrush, or it is the first time you have had these symptoms
  • have had more than two episodes of thrush in the last six months
  • or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection
  • are under 16 or over 60
  • are pregnant, could be pregnant, are trying for a baby or are breastfeeding
  • have liver or kidney disease, heart rhythm problems or another long-term illness

Fluconazole interacts with a number of medicines, including blood thinners such as warfarin, some statins, erythromycin, amiodarone, some diabetes and epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, ciclosporin, tacrolimus and anti-inflammatory painkillers. Tell the pharmacist about everything you take. The cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, so use another method of contraception during treatment and for 5 days after.

Buy Canesten Duo online

Each pack contains one fluconazole 150mg capsule and a 10g tube of clotrimazole 2% cream. Complete a quick confidential questionnaire at checkout and our pharmacist reviews it before dispatch by Royal Mail Tracked 24. Browse all thrush treatments.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms do not improve, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: October 2026.

Canesten Thrush Duo FAQs

Can I buy Canesten Duo over the counter?
Yes. Canesten Thrush Duo is a Pharmacy (P) medicine, so you do not need a prescription. You answer a short questionnaire when you order and our pharmacist checks it is suitable before we dispatch it.
How long does Canesten Duo take to work?
The capsule starts working inside the body straight away and the cream soothes itching and soreness on the outside. Symptoms usually improve within 2 days. If there is no improvement after 7 days, or symptoms get worse, see your doctor.
How do I use Canesten Duo?
Swallow the single 150mg capsule whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Apply a thin layer of the cream around the entrance of the vagina, or to the end of the penis, 2 or 3 times a day until symptoms clear.
Can men use Canesten Duo?
Yes. Canesten Duo is also licensed for thrush of the penis (candidal balanitis) in men. Speak to a doctor first if your partner does not have thrush, or if you have sores, an unusual discharge, a bad smell or pain when passing urine.
Can I use Canesten Duo when pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, not unless a doctor tells you to. Fluconazole in early pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. If you are pregnant, could be pregnant or are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or midwife about a suitable thrush treatment.
How often can I use Canesten Duo?
If thrush comes back after 7 days you can take another capsule. If you have more than two episodes of thrush in six months, see your doctor, as recurrent thrush needs checking.
Does Canesten Duo treat oral thrush?
No. Canesten Duo is for vaginal thrush and thrush of the penis only. Oral thrush in the mouth needs a different treatment, so ask your pharmacist.
Can I use condoms while using the cream?
The cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so they may not protect against pregnancy or infection. Use another method of contraception during treatment and for at least 5 days afterwards.
What is the difference between Canesten Duo and Canesten Oral?
Both contain the same single fluconazole 150mg capsule. Canesten Duo also includes a tube of clotrimazole 2% external cream to relieve itching and soreness while the capsule works.

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