Clotrimazole for thrush

Among the many antifungal agents for the medicinal treatment of vaginal candidiasis or thrush, the advertisements of which are replete on the Internet, in fashion magazines, on signs and stands in drugstores, the most acceptable, effective and safe remedy is clotrimazole for thrush.

Vaginal candidiasis or thrush is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida. This is a very common infection. Fungi can parasitize anywhere: on the surfaces of vegetables and fruits, on the skin, in the oral cavity, in the intestines, respiratory tract, genitourinary system.

Fungi and other microorganisms get on the skin and mucous membranes of a newborn from the mother's birth canal during childbirth and stay with him for life. They become pathogenic only when the immune system is weakened. They are most likely to cause the disease due to antibiotics, especially their frequent and prolonged use. The microflora of the human body, under the influence of antibiotics, loses its usual equilibrium, its biological balance is disrupted. At the same time, Candida fungi, which are conditionally pathogenic flora, which previously quietly existed in our body, begin to multiply rapidly. The development of thrush can be facilitated by such factors as hormonal disorders, obesity, vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases, diabetes, pregnancy. Candidiasis is characterized by cheesy discharge from the vagina of white color with a sour unpleasant odor. Patients complain of itching, which is intensified by prolonged walking, menstruation.

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Indications for the use of clotrimazole for thrush

Clotrimazole for thrush is used in cases of candidal vulvitis, vulvovaginitis, balanitis, trichomoniasis, and sanitary treatment of the genitals of a woman in labor before childbirth.

Clotrimazole release form for thrush

Clotrimazole tablets 0.1 grams No. 6

Clotrimazole 1% vaginal cream 20 grams tube with applicator

Clotrimazole one percent ointment 25 grams

15 ml solution – orange glass bottles.

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Characteristics of the substance clotrimazole

Clotrimazole, which has a molecular weight of 344.84, is a white, odorless drug used for yeast and yeast-like lesions. Clotrimazole is poorly soluble in water and ether, and is well soluble in polyethyleneglycol 400, chloroform, and ethanol. The drug is used to treat men, women, and children. Clotrimazole is most often prescribed in gynecology, general therapy, dermatology, venereology, and obstetrics. Clotrimazole for thrush is available in the form of solutions, tablets, creams, and ointments with special applicators.

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Pharmacological action of clotrimazole for thrush

Antiprotozoal, antifungal, antibacterial. Clotrimazole is a local drug with antifungal effect, is an imidazole derivative.

The effect of the drug is a violation of the metabolism of ergosterol, which is the main component of the cellular structure of fungi, permeability of the fungal cell membrane, provokes the release of potassium from the cell membrane, phosphorus compounds that are part of the cell, as well as the destruction of intracellular nucleic acids. Delays the connection of phospholipids and triglycerides. Makes peroxidase and oxidative enzymes less active, due to which the amount of hydrogen peroxide inside the cells becomes toxic. This, in turn, leads to the destruction of cellular organelles and the cell becomes necrotic. The fungicidal and fungistatic effect depends on the concentration. Delays the transformation of blast spores of Candida Albicans into a mold form that penetrates inside.

Clotrimazole is poorly absorbed through mucous membranes and skin.

Intravaginal administration – 3-10% of the drug is absorbed.

In the liver, a series of transformations of clotrimazole to metabolites occur, which are not active, after which it is excreted in the feces. Absorbed clotrimazole affects subcellular enzymatic reactions in the liver, due to which the oxidation reactions occurring in it are accelerated.

In large quantities in vaginal secretions and in small quantities in the bloodstream it is found for two to three days.

No evidence of clotrimazole's carcinogenic effect on a living organism has been obtained in studies on rats. No mutagenic effects have been detected in studies on hamsters either.

Pharmacodynamics

Clotrimazole has a broad spectrum of action, especially when applied externally, which covers almost all fungi of pathogenic origin (causing human infections). Its activity extends to

• filamentous fungi (dermatophytes);
• Candida fungi and other yeast fungi;
• dimorphic fungal infections;
• actinomycetes,
• corynebacteria,
• staphylococci;
• streptococci,
• Trichomonas.

Pharmacokinetics

Clotrimazole has a high ability to penetrate tissues. There is much more of it in the epidermis than in the subcutaneous tissue and in the dermis. The drug does not have a systemic effect. In the human body, clotrimazole for thrush finds Candida fungi and affects their membranes, causing them to completely lose their viability.

Clotrimazole for thrush usually gives good results in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. In addition, the doctor may prescribe complex treatment, combined with other drugs (usually tablets). The effect of clotrimazole treatment for thrush, as a rule, occurs from the first days of treatment with the drug. But this does not mean that the treatment should be stopped, it is necessary to undergo the entire course of treatment prescribed by the doctor, otherwise the disease may become chronic.

Interaction with other drugs

Weakens the effect of amphortericin B, nitamycin, nystatin.

Method of administration and dosage

Clotrimazole for thrush - cream or ointment - should be applied to the areas affected by the fungus, the layer should be thin, twice a day. It is recommended to insert a tablet into the vagina, and lubricate the vestibule of the vagina and perineum with 1 percent cream or ointment. The duration of antifungal treatment is three to four weeks. It is also recommended to instill clotrimazole for thrush into the urethra with a 1 percent solution for six days. Both sexual partners must be treated. Various dosage forms in which clotrimazole for thrush is released have their own characteristics in use and advantages.

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Clotrimazole for thrush during pregnancy

The hormonal background of a pregnant woman is such that the occurrence of many unpleasant sensations is considered normal. A woman does not always pay attention to some discomfort, characteristic of the initial manifestations of thrush. But when the inflammatory process increases, unpleasant sensations in the genitals and odor force the expectant mother to seek medical attention. Clotrimazole for thrush is contraindicated in the first three months of pregnancy. With intravaginal use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, adverse effects on the fetus have not been confirmed, but you should refrain from using an intravaginal applicator.

Use with caution during breastfeeding, as there is no data on whether clotrimazole penetrates into breast milk.

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Clotrimazole for thrush in men

Male genitalia are designed in such a way that the Candida fungus cannot stay on them for a long time, so men suffer from thrush much less often than the weaker half of humanity, since urine washes the fungus out of the urethra. Thrush in men can begin on the head of the penis, on the dermis, in the mouth. Symptomatically, this can be expressed in the form of itching, swelling, burning or an unpleasant odor. Experts consider clotrimazole for thrush to be the most suitable for treating candidiasis in men. The ointment is absorbed for a long time, but its use is very effective. Apply 2 times a day to the foreskin area.

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Contraindications of Clotrimazole for Thrush

Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole for thrush, first trimester of pregnancy.

Clotrimazole side effects for thrush

Allergic reactions such as itching and urticaria may develop.

Local application may cause swelling, redness, blisters, discomfort (itching, burning), skin may peel, and irritation may occur.

In the genital area: itching, hyperemia, local swelling, burning, vaginal discharge, pollakiuria, inflammation of the bladder, discomfort in the area of the head of the penis, pain appears during coitusa.

Oral cavity: redness, swelling, burning sensation in the mouth.

Overdose

If clotrimazole for thrush is accidentally ingested, aversion to food, nausea, epigastric pain, vomiting, liver problems, and sometimes drowsiness, frequent urination, and skin rashes may occur.

Help with an overdose of clotrimazole for thrush: take activated charcoal, symptomatic treatment.

Precautions when using clotrimazole for thrush

It is necessary to avoid getting clotrimazole for thrush in the eyes. Do not use if the integrity of the skin is compromised.

Do not use occlusive dressings after applying clotrimazole for thrush.

To avoid re-infection, both sexual partners should be treated. Clotrimazole should not be used for thrush during menstruation.

If the liver function is impaired, its functional state must be monitored.

If symptoms of irritation or hypersensitivity appear, it is recommended to discontinue the drug.

If after using clotrimazole for thrush for one month the therapeutic effect does not occur, it is necessary to conduct a repeated microbiological study in order to confirm the diagnosis and exclude the possibility of another pathology.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Clotrimazole for thrush is stored at a temperature of 8-25°C in a dark place inaccessible to children.

The shelf life is three years.

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Price

The price of clotrimazole for thrush, unlike other drugs, is quite acceptable. The cost of the drug is influenced by the name of the manufacturer, the dosage in one package, and the markup in the pharmacy.

Today, prices for medicines change daily, if not hourly. On 30.04.2014, the price for Clotrimazole ointment in pharmacy chains averaged 7.70 UAH, Clotrimazole cream - 8-12 UAH, Clotrimazole tablets - about 10 UAH.

Reviews of Clotrimazole for Thrush

Clotrimazole for thrush is one of the most common and by no means new drugs for the treatment of candidiasis, so there are many opinions and reviews about it, both good and not so good.

For example, Irina, 35, from Donetsk wrote the following: “Thrush has been bothering me for many years. I have tried everything: various well-known drugs at the highest prices. I was recently hospitalized in the gynecological department due to an exacerbation of chronic adnexitis. After using antibiotics, vaginal candidiasis worsened. The doctor prescribed me Clotrimazole tablets. I treated this with irony, but imagine my surprise when a few days later I felt a significant improvement in my condition…” Or this: “Hello! I am 25 years old. I went to the district hospital complaining of itching in the genital area and profuse whitish, stretchy vaginal discharge. The doctor said that I had thrush and prescribed several drugs, including Clotrimazole for thrush. Thank you, it helped. I was especially pleased with the price, I never thought that an inexpensive drug could have such an effect. Alina, Kupyansk."

Patients who were dissatisfied with the drug, mainly had allergic reactions or other unpleasant sensations associated with the individual characteristics of their body. Here is what practicing gynecologist Ilona Vasilyeva from Kyiv writes: "When a patient comes to an appointment, a lot of time is always spent explaining the features of using a particular drug. Unfortunately, patients ignore many recommendations, except for using the drug. Not everyone adheres to the necessary treatment regimen: you need to give up alcohol, spicy foods, wear underwear only from natural materials. If you follow these simple tips, clotrimazole for thrush, with rare exceptions, is well tolerated and gives an excellent therapeutic effect."

Clotrimazole for thrush, despite all its apparent simplicity, is a medicine that, like all other drugs, must be prescribed by a doctor. Only a specialist has all the necessary knowledge to ensure that the treatment is prescribed correctly and brings the desired result.