Safety of oral antifungal drugs in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis: a scoping review protocol

This scoping review aims to systematically map the available evidence on the safety of four oral antifungal agents—fluconazole, itraconazole, ibrexafungerp, and oteseconazole—in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. While these drugs are increasingly used in clinical practice, especially the two novel agents, the safety evidence remains fragmented and lacks systematic integration. Using the PCC framework, this review will include patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, focus on safety outcomes including adverse event types, incidence, and severity, and consider all types of clinical studies from global settings. The expected outcomes include a comprehensive evidence map that clarifies the range and distribution of safety data, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides a structured reference for clinical decision-making and future research directions.