The severity of the Herxheimer effect can be modified by the drug dosage and by dietary preparation prior to the administration of the drug. Available as oral dosage, injectable, and as cream or ointment. It is more effective, in some cases than Nystatin, but has numerous possible side effects with extreme nausea being the most prevalent and possible damage to the liver. A blood stream specific agent with side effects due to patient hypersensitivity and includes nausea, stomach distress and headaches. It is important to note, that while the drug treatment regimes for candidiasis are highly effective in eliminating or significantly reducing the fungal overgrowth in just a brief period of time, if the underlying causes of the overgrowth are not eliminated, the problem of candidiasis will return or persist.
Food is regarded as medicine and is the single most important element of a treatment plan.
The quality of the diet appears to have a direct effect not only on the incidence of the disease but on the recovery process. A number of dietary programs have been put forth, many with unorthodox philosophies of food interactions, but most with beneficial results. As adjunct therapy it is of great importance in restoring the intestinal balance and preventing the reoccurrence of Candida overgrowth. Numerous studies report positive results. As a single or primary treatment it is ineffective due to the underlying conditions that created the original imbalance.