Fluconazole is an oral antifungal medication often used to treat oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis), especially in cases that are moderate, severe, or recurrent. Unlike topical therapies, fluconazole is systemic, meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream and works throughout the body to stop Candida growth by blocking fungal cell membrane production.

It is commonly prescribed as a daily oral dose for 7–14 days, depending on the severity of infection. Fluconazole is generally well tolerated but can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, or, rarely, liver enzyme changes or drug interactions. It is often chosen when topical treatments like nystatin or clotrimazole are not effective or practical.